This story of the healing of the centurion’s servant (also
Matthew 8:5-13) concludes with Jesus’ declaration that He had not found such
great faith even in Israel. That reality
and Jesus’ public recognition is important, but what about this man’s faith was
so great?
Three elements of the centurion’s faith stand out from this
passage.
1.
His faith recognized Jesus and His authority
(v.8). The Greek word is – ἐξουσία, “exousia” – lit. “power of choice,
right.” This is the same word Jesus used
in Matthew 28:18 when He spoke of His own authority, “power” (KJV). In fact, this Roman soldier had a better
grasp of the true nature of Jesus Christ and His divine authority than even
Jesus’ own disciples did.
2.
His faith recognized political, social, and
cultural realities especially of race and religion, but it also recognized that
by working within those situations Jesus could accomplish His will in spite of
the limits and problems in society.
3.
This man’s faith responded in obedience to the
word of Jesus before he saw the results of Jesus’ work in his situation.
Simply put, Faith responds in obedience to the Word of God
because of Jesus’ authority whether or not the results of obedience are obvious
or the conclusion is in view. So should
my faith be!
Coram deo
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