There are some passages of scripture that should catch our attention or maybe rapture our attention.
Matthew 8:5-13 should be one of those passages.
Focus
Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
(Matthew 8:10 ESV)
I want to be this man. You want to be this man. We all want to be someone that stops Jesus. We want to be people who make Jesus stop and notice us. We want to make Jesus marvel.
Jesus did not marvel at his
Race
Position
Compassion
Law keeping
Social class
Let’s look at a few things we can learn.
BOLDNESS
The Centurion made a bold request
It appears this happened by accident; thus, not a condition from birth.
It appears that the centurion is concerned for his servant and not how his healing would benefit him.
He desires a practical heal
He wanted Jesus to just speak it.
HUMILITY
The Centurion was basically humble
He felt unworthy to have Jesus come to his home.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6 ESV)
The Centurion understood authority
His explanation of authority is what caught Jesus’ attention.
FAITH
The Centurion had big faith
He understood authority and knew Jesus had authority over the supernatural.
He believed Jesus could do it
He did not question or doubt Jesus’ ability to heal from a distance.
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV) And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
JESUS MARVELED
When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (Matthew 8:10 ESV)
Jesus Marveled at his faith.
Astonished
Amazed
None like it.
We catch Jesus’ attention when we place our faith in Him.
We do not place our faith in faith.
You will not catch Jesus’ attention by your rule keeping or moralism. It will only happen when you believe He is who He said He is and live within that belief.
NOTE: This is my sermon outline from yesterday. I feel it’s critical that we understand this passage.
