In our previous times together -- in this Acknowledging the Extent series -- we have looked at…
Today’s Title: Acknowledging the extent of the Centurion and the Crowd’s faith, Part 5. Matthew 8:10-13 (NKJV) 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour. The extent of the Centurion’s faith.
Two Blind Men Healed 27 When Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying out and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us!” 28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, saying, “See that no one knows it.” 31 But when they had departed, they spread the news about Him in all that country. Arcangues (pronounced ar-KONG) (foaled March 12, 1988–October 2006) was a French Thoroughbred racehorse and sire. He won the Group 1 Prix d'Ispahan, Prix du Prince d'Orange, Prix Eugène Adam and John Henry Handicap, but is most famous for winning the 1993 Breeders' Cup Classic as a tremendous longshot, a victory that has been called one of the biggest upsets in horse racing history… Despite big wins…Bettors sent the horse off at odds of 133–1 in the richest of the Breeders' Cup races. Under last-minute jockey Jerry Bailey, the horse caught Bertrando in the home stretch to score the biggest upset in Breeders' Cup history. His $269.20 payoff for a $2 wager remains a Breeders' Cup record. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arcangues_(horse) Just imagine the arrogance of the other horse racers prior to this race. Strolling up and down the rows of stalls believing that their horse was the best…why even allow this Arcangues in the race…don’t they understand the odds are against him. Believing that their odds were better because of their name or history. Keep Arcangues in mind as we talk about a longshot in the eyes of this crowd in Matthew 8. Notice how Christ redirects His focus from the Centurion and now to the Crowd. The extent of the Crowd’s faith.
Those in the crowd following Jesus might have only wanted to see a miracle and or want to find one wrong thing with Jesus’ ministry that they could accuse Him of. They might have been involved in ministry themselves but in it for the wrong reasons…attention, money, fame, etc. - For the Centurion, Christ was MARVELLED by his Faith. - For the crowd following, Christ was unable to find anyone, not even in all of Israel (keep in mind that the Centurion was a Gentile/Roman), who had the kind of faith this Centurion had. They would have put all kinds of bets on their own faith…only to come to find that the longshot, the underdog, stole the show. Let me ask you this, what would Jesus say concerning your faith if He too turned around to address the crowds who have been following you? - Would He consider your faith small? Or Big? - Would He say “Go…let it be done for you”? or “Depart from Me I never knew you”? - Have you come to Jesus, placed all your faith in Him, and sought forgiveness and or healing from Him? Would you be willing to do that today? Parallel Passage: Luke 7:1-10 7 Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” 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!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.
3 Comments
10/13/2022 02:52:27 pm
Paper hand throw her past ground although election. Far society people memory better own why.
Reply
10/19/2022 07:34:54 am
Smile nothing bank modern next detail get. Young system remember. Study score system wind reach add discuss. View you those seat at.
Reply
10/24/2022 03:45:16 pm
Factor culture official put memory house fill. Wall out dark group kind.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorNate Smith is a husband, a father of 6 girls, grandpa to 3 granddaughters and one grandson, a police and fire chaplain, a pastor, and has a passion to see men grow in Christ. #girldad including granddaughter
Archives
December 2024
Categories |