Read the Word: Matthew 8:5-13
Meditate on the Word:
Yesterday we discussed that the centurion recognized his own unworthiness to have Jesus come under his roof. Aside from recognizing his own unworthiness, the centurion also recognized the authority of Jesus. From the passages surrounding this one, we see that Jesus had a pattern of physically touching those whom he healed. He did this with the leper (Matt. 8:1-4) and Peter’s mother-in-law (Matt. 8:14-15). This Roman, however, knew that Jesus was not limited to physically touching someone to heal them. As a man who had a degree of authority, the centurion recognized that Jesus had the authority to command the healing done. Jesus was amazed by this.
We must not take our Lord’s amazement too lightly. He is only mentioned as being amazed in two circumstances: a lack of faith where faith should be expected (Mark 6:1-6) and faith where it was not expected, such as from a Roman centurion. In fact, Jesus comments on the centurion’s faith, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith.” A sad commentary on the people of God. What about us now? Would Jesus be amazed by our lack of faith? Or would he find us to have complete trust in Him?
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to help you identify any areas of unbelief in your life. Then, turn them over to Him and ask for His help.
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