Faith Measured

Great Faith

A Roman Soldier - Centurion over more than 100

His loved servant is gravely ill.

Sends elders of the Jews to plead for Jesus to heal

He loves our nation

He built a synagogue for us

v7 Jesus is coming and he sends friends to say that he is not worthy for Jesus to enter his house but to say the “word” and his servant would be healed.

Note: He said that he was also a man under authority. Jesus responds that He has not seen such great faith even in Israel!

Note: Great faith:

a. Humble —> unworthy but asking

love for others (servant) and Israel

action —> built synagogue and sent elders to Jesus

b. Under authority —> submitting to authority over him.

Rome and Jesus

c. Founded on God’s word. Logos = God’s revealed truth.

No Faith vs. 11-17

Jesus comes to the city of Nain and see a dead man being carried out to be buried. He is the only son of a widow and Jesus takes compassion on her and stops the processional and raises the dead man saying to the mother “Do not weep.” He says to the man arise and he sat up and spoke!

Note: God is glorified and awe came on all that saw it!

Note that there is no faith that caused Jesus to respond. No one requested healing. No one sought Jesus out. He just healed

God’s compassion is awesome!

Passionate Faith 36-50

Simon the Pharisee is checking Jesus out (testing Him).

He is invited to a meal. In the process a woman of/in the city comes to minister to Jesus. She is a sinner. Simon thought if Jesus were a prophet He would know what kind of woman this was.

Note: Don’t we still kinda take issue with a hooker kissing on Jesus?

She came weeping - washing - worshipping Jesus!

Pharisee = to separate; to divide from; to distinguish the difference! Strict law keeper! Saw themselves as better than others.

Judgmental —> If Jesus were a prophet . . . .

Jesus response was, Simon, I have something to say to you!

Parable of the debtors one owes 500 days wages and the other 50 days wages. The master forgive both but who loves most? Simon the one forgiven most. right!!!

Jesus points out Simon sin of judging both Jesus and the woman! Jesus says to the woman “your sins are forgiven.” Then, “Your faith has saved/delivered you!

Note: Not faith in faith, but faith in the source of faith - Jesus! Faith is a gift from God!

Passionate Faith:

a. didn’t care what others thought

b. didn’t mind taking on the role of a servant

c. didn’t mind pouring out the most valuable possession on Jesus!

d. willing to weep, wash and worship the One and only One who could give her peace!

Little Faith 8:22-25

Jesus says that they are to go to the other side! He goes to sleep and a storm comes with raging wind and waves. The disciples think they are in danger or perishing and wake Jesus up! Saying do you not care that we are dying here?

Jesus responds (Matt 8) “Oh you of little faith.”

Note: Little faith focuses on the circumstances of life rather the Lord of the circumstances!

The Lord of the circumstances said (Mark) Peace be still! Note the Word of God! And all creation listened and obeyed.

Jesus asks “Where is your faith?” or In whom is your faith?

Point of growing faith is to come to the understanding that “Being in the will of God (right where He wants you) is the safest place in the cosmos whether you realize it or not!”

The Cost of Great, Passionate Faith 9:18-26; 57-62

Who does the crowd say that I Am? John, Elijah, prophets of old!

But who do you say I Am? Peter -> the Christ of God!

Does not matter what others think of Jesus. It matter what you believe of Him!

Personal faith.

Note: Great, Passionate Faith is in God alone! And God alone gets to determine what it means to live by faith alone!

v23. Deny self

Take up your cross

Follow Jesus!

vs. 56ff

requires giving up material world

living contrary to the expectations of others

3. following only God’s priorities!

Challenge

Which one describes your faith right now?

Great

No

Passionate

Little

Why?