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- This Roman centurion, this pagan Gentile, this despised enemy of the Jews had greater faith than all of them. His faith put theirs to shame. By highlighting this fact, Jesus was calling His disciples to have this kind of faith, and not only greeting this Gentile, but elevating and praising him.
thebiblesays.com/en/commentary/mat 8:5
Jun 1, 2010 · Jesus, the "founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2), once marveled at the faith he found in a man. And it's the only instance that the gospels record such a response from Jesus (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10).
- Cultural and Historical Context
- Elements of The Centurion’s Faith
- Jesus’ Response to The Centurion’s Faith
- Theological Implications
- Practical Applications For Believers
- Conclusion
To fully understand why Jesus praised the centurion’s faith, it is essential to consider the cultural and historical context of the encounter.
Several aspects of the centurion’s faith stand out in the narrative and explain why Jesus praised it so highly.
Jesus Marveled
Both Matthew and Luke record that Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith (Matthew 8:10, Luke 7:9). The Greek word used here, “θαυμάζω” (thaumazō), indicates profound amazement or astonishment. This reaction is significant because it shows that Jesus, who is omniscient, was genuinely impressed by the centurion’s faith.
Comparison to Israel
Jesus explicitly states that He has not found such great faith even in Israel (Matthew 8:10, Luke 7:9). This statement serves as a rebuke to the Jewish people, especially the religious leaders, who often demonstrated a lack of faith despite their knowledge of the Scriptures and the presence of Jesus’ miracles.
Faith and Authority
The centurion’s faith is closely tied to his understanding of authority. His profession of faith acknowledges that Jesus has supreme authority over sicknessand life itself. This understanding aligns with the biblical portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate authority (Matthew 28:18).
Humility and Faith
The centurion’s humility is integral to his faith. Biblical faith often involves a recognition of one’s own insufficiency and a reliance on God’s power and grace. The centurion’s acknowledgment of his unworthiness exemplifies the attitude that Jesus commends throughout His ministry (Matthew 5:3).
The Universality of the Gospel
The centurion’s faith prefigures the inclusion of the Gentiles in the early church. The gospel’s reach beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries is a central theme in the New Testament, fulfilled in the ministry of Paul and the expansion of the church(Acts 10:34-35, Galatians 3:28).
Emulating the Centurion’s Faith
Believers are called to emulate the centurion’s faith by recognizing Jesus’ authority, approaching Him with humility, and trusting in His power to work in their lives. This faith is not based on physical presence or visible signs but on a deep trust in Jesus’ word and His ability to intervene in any situation.
Humility in Leadership
The centurion’s example is particularly relevant for those in positions of authority. His humility, despite his high rank, serves as a model for Christian leaders to lead with humility and recognize their need for God’s guidance and intervention.
Acceptance
The story challenges believers to embrace and accept those who may be outside their cultural or social circles. The centurion’s faith and Jesus’ commendation of it underscore the importance of breaking down barriers and recognizing the faith of others, regardless of their background.
The story of the centurion’s faith is a profound illustration of the kind of faith that pleases Jesus. It encompasses humility, a recognition of Jesus’ authority, and a deep trust in His power. Jesus’ praise of the centurion’s faith serves as a powerful reminder of the qualities that constitute genuine faith and the universal gospel message. The ce...
It undoubtedly shocked those present to hear Jesus say that a Roman centurion had greater faith than descendants of Abraham, the father of the faithful. By saying the centurion’s faith exceeded that of most Jews, Jesus affirmed that gentiles possessed equal spiritual potential.
Jun 24, 2016 · The Bible only records two instances when Jesus commends people for their “great faith.” In one story, a Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his paralyzed servant, who was “suffering terribly” (Matthew 8:6). Jesus asks if he should go to heal him, but the Roman man replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
Apr 2, 2021 · In Matthew 8:10, Jesus praises a Roman Centurion for having great faith. What did the Centurion believe that few others believe? He believed two advanced truths that are quite rare for people to believe (even today).
This Roman centurion, this pagan Gentile, this despised enemy of the Jews had greater faith than all of them. His faith put theirs to shame. By highlighting this fact, Jesus was calling His disciples to have this kind of faith, and not only greeting this Gentile, but elevating and praising him.
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Apr 26, 2013 · Jesus “marveled” at this man’s faith. When Jesus marvels, we must meditate. Luke chose the Greek word thaumazo (thou-mad’-zo, also in Matthew 8:10), which we translate “marveled” or “amazed,” to describe Jesus’s response to the centurion’s faith.
