"When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith, even in Israel.’” (Luke 7:9 NIV)
What does it take to amaze you? Your heating bill? The cost of a college degree? The night sky through a powerful telescope? The audacity of a prideful person? For Jesus, it was the faith of a humble person. The elders of the Jews came to Jesus asking Him to come heal the servant of a person whom they thought was deserving of His favor. Even though Jews felt superior to Gentiles, this man was a Roman centurion, who ordinarily would have felt superior to the Jews. However, this man, they said, loved their nation and had built their synagogue. Jesus evidently was going along with the elders’ request and was on his way to the centurion’s home when he sent word to Jesus that he felt unworthy to have him come into his home. He said, “But say the word and my servant will be healed.” Jesus was astonished by the centurion’s faith. It takes humility to have the kind of faith that recognizes that whatever our worldly position, Jesus wants to meet our needs. We have no claim on Jesus because of our good deeds, but He hears us when we humbly ask for His presence. |