WHEN JESUS MARVELED
LUKE 7:6-9 NKJV
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!"
To marvel means to be struck with admiration or astonishment. We see the disciples and the multitudes marveling at Jesus. But we rarely see Him marveling at people.
Well, we do see Him marveling at the people in His hometown because of their unbelief. But here, Jesus is astonished and admiring a man's faith.
This Roman centurion was an excellent example of what to do.
Even though this soldier was part of the occupying force in Israel, he had a great respect for Jesus. And he displayed great humility.
When the centurion sent people to ask Jesus to come to his house, that showed humility. This centurion could have used his power to try and force Jesus. I don't believe it would have been effective, but he did not even try.
This centurion already had a reputation as a man who loved Israel. He even built the people a synagogue. So, he must have had a respect for Israel's God.
The centurion was also asking for healing for one of his servants. A servant who was dear to him. This fierce warrior was a kind man.
And this Roman officer understood authority and how it worked. He knew that he would give orders, and they were carried out. So Jesus, who was operating in God's authority, just needed to say the word, give the command and the servant would be healed.
And Jesus marveled. And the servant was healed.
APPLICATION:
We have this story for a reason. Faith is timeless. Faith then is the same as faith now. Only the context has changed.
Faith that only requires God's word is the type of faith that caused Jesus to marvel. It's the kind of faith that does not demand to see or feel. It's a faith that declares, Lord, if I have Your word on this, that's all I need.
I want to get to the place where Jesus marvels at my faith. It's a good goal.
PRAYER:
Lord, I recognize Your authority. Thank You for Your word to me.