Transcript
The story of the Centurion in Capernaum (found in Matthew 8:5-13 and Luke 7:1-10) is one of the moments when Jesus was "amazed" by someone's faith. Jesus' amazement becomes a key to revealing what builds such extraordinary faith.
1. GREAT FAITH is founded on Loving GOD with all your heart, soul, and strength! This centurion was not a Jew (he was a Roman), yet he deeply loved the nation of Israel. This was proven by the Jewish elders who came to Jesus, pleading on behalf of the centurion, saying: "He is worthy for You to help him, for he loves our nation and it was he who paid for the building of our synagogue" (Luke 7:4-5). Building a synagogue (a place of worship) shows that he not only loved the nation in general but also had faith and respect for the God of Israel. He was willing to sacrifice his possessions for spiritual matters.
Great faith must begin with sincere love: love for God (loving what God loves, including the Church and His people) and love for others, even those who may be different from us.
2. GREAT FAITH begins and grows from humility! Despite his position and authority, the centurion said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof” (Matthew 8:8). He did not use his position, wealth, or service to demand help. He realized that he needed God's grace.
His humility was also evident in his concern for his sick servant. In those days, a servant was often considered worthless, but this centurion greatly valued him and was willing to ask for help for his healing. For him, the life of a servant was still precious.
Great faith cannot grow in a proud heart. Pride makes a person easily offended, angry, disappointed, and hungry for recognition. Conversely, humility makes us acknowledge our limitations, appreciate others, and depend entirely on God.
3. GREAT FAITH fully trusts the AUTHORITY of the Power of GOD'S WORD! The centurion said, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” He believed that Jesus did not need to be physically present. Just one word from Jesus, and sickness had to submit.
As a centurion, he understood the principle of authority. When he commanded his soldiers to go, come, or do something, they obeyed. Therefore, he believed that Jesus’ words had authority over sickness, distance, circumstances, and even the impossible.
Jesus is the living Word, and the Bible is the written Word of God. His Word is living, powerful, never fails, and capable of transforming, restoring, and strengthening lives. Therefore, faith grows when we read, meditate on, trust, and obey the Word of God.
This story teaches that the faith that amazed Jesus is a faith rooted in love, growing in humility, and standing firm on the authority of God's Word. May we not only admire the centurion's faith but also build the same faith in our daily lives: loving sincerely, living humbly, and continuing to trust in His Word in every circumstance. Lord Jesus Bless You.
