Matthew 8:1-13 and Luke 7
Devotion by Shelly Millard (Nebraska)
It might take a lot to surprise Jesus, but surprised and amazed he was. We could initially assume that this reaction was directed toward his disciples. Perhaps it was from a crowd’s reaction to one of his teachings. Maybe, just maybe, it was due to an interaction with a rabbi in a synagogue. Instead, we are told that he “marveled” at the response of a Roman soldier, an unlikely scenario. People in the area were abuzz with the news of the teachings and miracles of Jesus. This talk had reached the ears of a Centurion, a Roman soldier that oversaw 100 soldiers occupying the region. This centurion, likely well versed in the pantheon of Roman gods, heard news of the one claiming to be the son of the living God. This powerful man, when his servant became ill, decided to seek out this Jesus by asking a group of Jewish elders to intercede on his behalf. They were willing to do so as this Centurion had helped them build a synagogue. This intercessory group met Jesus as he entered the town and presented the request, at which time Jesus set off to the Centurion’s house. He had just been teaching the concept of “loving your enemies” and here he was heading to the home of a Roman. As they drew close, they were met with another group of emissaries with the message that the Centurion did not feel worthy to have Jesus in his home, but believed that he could just say the word and the servant would be healed. Jesus was astonished. Here was a Roman, a man of authority, a pagan, and an enemy of the Jewish people who had enough faith to believe that Jesus could heal with a word. The Greek word “thaumazo” used to describe the reaction of Jesus to this man’s faith is translated as “amazed” or “marveled”. The only other time that this word is used in the New Testament is when Jesus “marveled” at the lack of faith of those in Nazareth. This centurion was an unlikely person to “amaze” Jesus, yet Jesus described him as having “great” faith. In other places, Jesus describes “little” faith in describing his disciple’s response to him. Little faith from the disciples; great faith from the Centurion. He demonstrated great faith by believing without seeing, stepping out of his culture and authority to humble himself, and trusting what he had heard about Jesus. As a man of authority, he understood the power of the authority that Jesus had and had confidence to make the request of him. Such confidence is the essence of faith. It is that confidence that prompted Jesus to respond with “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith”.
Questions for Reflection
In what ways were the actions of the Centurion a surprise in this story? How did he act differently than what we might expect of a man in his culture and situation?
What prompted the Centurion to make this request? Why do you think he was reluctant to approach Jesus directly? What did this tell Jesus about this man?
Why do you think Jesus marveled at this request? Why did he identify this man as one with great faith?
When looking at your own faith, where would you place it on a scale of “little faith” to “great faith”?
How do you think you could grow your faith into one that was considered “great”?
Seek Grow Love 