Great Faith

N.T.#86 "Great Faith"

June 7, 2023 

Matthew 8-Part 1

When Jesus heard it, He marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great a faith, no, not in Israel. (verse 10)

LET IT GLOW

In this chapter we read about 4 healings and calming of a storm that Jesus performed. We read of the unclean leper which Jesus touched and healed. It was for God's glory as people saw His mercy to perform a mighty act. It was Jesus' will to do that for the man. (Sometimes it is not His will to heal. We found that out when my mother-in-law passed away of cancer. His purpose for her life was accomplished and it was time for her to go on to heaven.) Our faith continued to grow, though.

The second healing for the servant of a centurion soldier, a Gentile. What do we learned happened?

• This powerful officer in the Roman army (controlled 6,000 men) had love for his servant in that he desired for the man to be healed of palsy which was grievously tormenting the man.
• The centurion acknowledged Jesus as a superior being and Messiah when he called Jesus Lord. He had a need that other men could not meet, but faith to believe Jesus could. 
• He knew where to go in order to get that need met-Jesus.
• He was willing to do whatever it took for his servant to be healed.
• He had a sense of unworthiness, in that he didn't want Jesus to come all the way to his home to heal the servant.
• What faith by the centurion as he told Jesus that if He would only speak the Word, his servant would be healed. (verse 8)

Now that is faith! This man knew where to go and to whom to seek for the desired healing. Do we take people to Jesus for spiritual healing of the soul that is sin-sick?

Do we pray for loved ones lost and in need of Jesus?

LET IT GROW

How did Jesus react to the centurion's request? He marvelled at such great faith, for He had not seen such in Israel.

Marvelled means to wonder; to admire.

What a recognition, to have Jesus marvel at your faith! Such faith, true belief, is rare. Not many believe in Jesus Christ , for they deny Him, ignore Him, and neglect Him.

Does Jesus marvel at our faith? Does our faith move mountains, enemies, troubles?

Jesus looks for faith, great faith. We do not have to be of the lineage of Abraham by birth to come to Jesus for acceptance.  (verse 11) We only become a child of Abraham by faith. (Romans 4:11-12) The conversion of the centurion was a foreshadowing of the coming conversion of the Gentiles.

Friend, do not one who is cast into outer darkness for eternity because you put off coming to Jesus, believing in Him as God's Son, the Savior. Simply ask His forgiveness of your sins and to be your Savior. He is faith. Jesus sees a heart of faith.

Was the servant healed? Yes, that same hour. (verse 13) You, too, can be healed from all infirmities

LET IT GO 

What a Mighty God we serve! 

Thank You, Jesus, that we come to You by faith, not by good works, blood, or demand.

Such love, that You would die for us sinners in order for us to go to heaven!

Jesus I thank You! Thank You for loving and setting me free, for giving Your life just for me, how I thank You! Jesus I praise You.