HIGHLIGHT
Matthew 8:10 (ESV): 10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
EXPLAIN
After recording the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew details several stories of Jesus’ power to heal, including a leper who asked for healing, the centurion who sought healing for his servant, Peter’s mother-in-law who had a fever and many others.
The Roman centurion was unique in that he, as a Gentile, displayed a faith that the Jews had not. He didn’t require Jesus to go with him to heal his servant. He believed that if Jesus simply said the words, it would be done.
And it was.
APPLY
In matters of prayer and faith, we must guard against “name it and claim it” theology. We also understand that God’s will is also not always to heal miraculously of disease, sickness, etc.
Unfortunately, such attempts to be doctrinally correct and not to be presumptive of God’s will and God’s grace may be a smokescreen for our lack of faith.
Do we truly believe God is not only able to take care of our needs, but also that God is willing to do so? Have we demonstrated our faith in action? Have we asked boldly, largely, and expectantly?
RESPOND
Heavenly Father, help me to learn to pray boldly, largely, and expectantly knowing your love for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.