Dear Explorer,
Read Matthew 8:5-13
First, a centurion was a Roman soldier. How many men do you think he was a commander over?
100. Century is the same root word.
What is faith?
Look at Hebrews 11:1
Write down this definition in your own words.
You actually practice faith every day. When you sit in a chair – you have exhibited faith that it will hold you up and not disappear or crumble. When you turn on a water faucet, you have faith that water will come out. When you mail a letter, you are exhibiting faith in the postal system. (oops – that shows my age!) I could go on and on.
Up to this point, the Jewish people had brought their sick ones to Jesus because they had faith that He could touch them and heal them. This Roman asked Jesus to heal his servant by simply giving a command.
Matthew shared this incident to emphasize that some Gentiles exhibited even more faith than the Jewish people. He also says in Matthew 8:11-12 that Jesus said there would be people from all over the world at His banquet in Heaven, but many of the Jews wouldn't be there because they were empty. They would be kicked out of the banquet!
What word does Matthew use to show Jesus' reaction to the Roman's faith? (Matthew 8:5-13)
Read Luke 7:1-10
Again, there is a variation between the two accounts. Matthew's point was that some non-Jews had more faith than the Jews. Luke, being more interested in people and their social interactions, recorded that the centurion made his request through Jewish friends. Either way, both show an extraordinary faith in Jesus.
What word does Luke use to show Jesus' reaction to the Roman's faith?
What word would Jesus use to describe your faith in Him?
It's easy to say we trust Him when all is smooth sailing, but life contains storms and you will experience many things that will stretch and test your faith. Be assured, Jesus is strong enough to carry you through!
In His service, dale
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