When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Matthew 8:10
JESUS MARVELED. Can you imagine this? The Son of God, the marvel of all the ages, saw something very real in the life of an in individual that caused Him to marvel.
The term, “marveled,” represents an old word from the Greek language (“thaumazo”) which translates “to wonder and be amazed.” Although this term is used 48 times in the New Testament,there are only two occasions where Jesus was said to have marveled.
The Story
Matthew 8 records one of the occasions wherein Jesus marveled. The story opens with a Roman Centurion in Capernaum entreating Jesus. This official sought healing for his servant who was ill. And Jesus responded, “I will come and heal him.” However, the centurion said, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Matthew 8:8-9)
The Bible then reports Jesus’ response:
When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” (Matthew 8:10)
Why this unexpected comparison between a Roman Centurion – a Gentile, and the nation of Israel?
The Gospel records of the Scriptures give evidence of the faith that was present among Jews – those who personally craved God’s presence, His touch, and His healings. To observe faith in God among Israel was no surprise. But here was one who was not of Israel’s household, yet sought with great faith that which was not for himself, but for another. He placed his interest and dependence fully in the Christ through humility of heart. Although representing a position of entitlement, this man humbled himself before the greatness of Jesus. This, I believe, is at the core of why Jesus “marveled.”
Our application.
Jesus is always honored and glorified when our lives take such a posture of faith. The more one disowns self, the stronger one will be in faith. Have you truly humbled yourself before Jesus, or do you continue to hold tight to your personal interests and desires?
Jesus marveled at one who was non-religious, meaning he was not a formal adherent to a fixed system of religion. But he was not irreligious, for in his limited understanding of the Christ, he recognized Jesus as of God, and he fully surrendered to Him.
There were those who were more fully informed of the things of God than this man, yet they exercised less faith because personal interests and entitlement enhanced pride and deluded humble dependence. Today, resolve to bless Jesus by truly exercising a faith that in no way reflects self, and fully honors the Christ through humble obedience and genuine dependence.
This is faith. And Jesus proved this as He marveled. So today, live by faith with one singular motive: to honor our Lord.
Blessings.
READ
Read the entirety of Matthew 8, and be encouraged by the life-changing power of Jesus in the lives of individuals.
