A Centurion’s Marvelous Faith

Matthew 8:10-11

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, "Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! NKJV

Verse in Context:   

Matthew 8:8-9 “The centurion answered and said, "Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed.  for I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." NKJV

A Centurion was a Roman Captain soldier over one hundred men or more depending on their level; the higher the level the more men under his command.  They were men of authority who gave orders rather than receive them.  Yet, he approached Jesus not with a power or authority of his own; he came with a humbled heart recognizing Christ as Lord .  He acknowledgied his unworthiness of having Jesus step foot in his home.

The Centurion pleads with Jesus, “But only speak a word and my servant will be healed.” It says here that Jesus marveled at his words.  The definition for marvel is: to admire, wondrous, amazement, a miracle.  Jesus saw this man’s faith as being marvelous and something to be admired.  He was encouraging the people that were with Him that this man’s faith was wonderful to Him and He was well pleased.    

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” NKJV

In view of your personal walk with God, would you say your faith in God is marvelous or wonderful?

Jesus Himself says in Matthew Ch. 17, that if you have faith the size of a mustard seed you can move mountains.  No matter what size your faith is, keep in mind it is a like a mustard seed that grows over time as you water it and nourish it. 

If you are one who struggles with doubt or has difficulty believing what God says; you can come to Him and ask God to help you even with your unbelief.  Desiring to have more faith is also pleasing to God and God rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Mark 9:23-24 “Jesus said to him, "If you can believe,  all things are possible to him who believes."  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" NKJV

Mark 9:27 “But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.” NKJV

Filoiann Wiedenhoff