The Faith that Amazed Jesus

Introduction:

- Introduce the importance of faith in the life of a believer.

- Highlight the story of the Centurion's faith in approaching Jesus.

Matthew 8:5–13 “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world—from east and west—and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites—those for whom the Kingdom was prepared—will be thrown into outer darkness, where there wi…”

I. The Humility of the Centurion

Matthew 8:5–6 “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.””

A. The Centurion's request (verse 5)

Matthew 8:5 “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him,”

1. Discuss the cultural context and significance of a Roman Centurion approaching a Jewish rabbi.

2. Highlight the Centurion's humility in acknowledging his unworthiness.

B. The Centurion's recognition of Jesus' authority (verse 6)

Matthew 8:6 ““Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.””

1. Emphasize the Centurion's understanding of Jesus' authority over sickness and healing.

2. Explore how his recognition of Jesus' authority is an act of faith.

II. The Faith that Surprised Jesus (Matthew 8:7-9)

A. Jesus' response to the Centurion's request (verse 7)

1. Discuss Jesus' willingness to go and heal the Centurion's servant.

2. Explain how Jesus' response highlights the importance of faith.

B. The Centurion's words of faith (verses 8-9)

1. Analyze the Centurion's profession of faith in Jesus' ability to heal from a distance.

2. Explore the depth of the Centurion's faith compared to what Jesus had witnessed in Israel.

III. The Model of Great Faith (Matthew 8:10-13)

A. Jesus' response to the Centurion's faith (verses 10-12)

1. Highlight Jesus' astonishment at the Centurion's faith and its contrast with Israel's lack of faith.

2. Discuss the implications of Jesus' statement about faith from different nations.

B. The fulfillment of the Centurion's request (verse 13)

1. Emphasize the authority of Jesus' words to heal the Centurion's servant.

2. Reflect on the impact of the Centurion's faith in the outcome of the situation.

Conclusion:

- Recap the story of the Centurion's faith and the response of Jesus.

- Encourage the congregation to examine their own faith in approaching Jesus.

- Challenge them to cultivate a faith that amazes Jesus through humility, recognition of His authority, and unwavering trust.

Note: While providing the exegetical outline, it's crucial to further develop each point by incorporating relevant scriptures, illustrations, and personal applications to enhance the sermon's effectiveness.