What can we do that will impress the Lord Jesus Christ? When Jesus heard the faith of this Gentile man, he was impressed. He was a God-fearing Gentile. Many people come to Jesus because they have a problem. This man cared about his servant. He was interested in people.

1 – The request (vs. 5-6)

This man comes with respect and faith to Jesus.

• His persistence (vs. 5) – “beseeching”. He was following and begging the Lord Jesus to heal his servant. The servant is about to die. He is not concerned that he is a Roman soldier. Nothing stopped him from getting to Jesus. Some people are not looking for Jesus for the same reasons that a thief is not looking for a policeman! Jesus can be found with perseverance.
• His pain (vs. 6). – Pain can come in many different areas. There are many who have pain in their life. It could be physical, emotional or spiritual. The servant was in torment. The Roman soldier can admit his pain for his servant’s condition.

2 – The reply (vs. 7-9)

Jesus is willing to reward faith.

• The favour – “I will”. He didn’t deserve it but he got it. Jesus was prepared to come. If we come in faith then Jesus will come in favour. God is not reluctant to help. He is eager to help if we ask Him. We don’t have to be afraid to ask God. If you ask for salvation you will receive it. If you sin in your life then you can come to God in faith and receive forgiveness. See 1 John 1:7-10.
• His faith (vs. 8). – He was a man in authority and gave commands and it was done. He recognises that Jesus is the same. Most of us would have wanted Jesus to come so that we could brag! We would have turned it into a tourist attraction! His position did not go to his head. He had humility. He recognised he was not worthy to have Jesus even come to his house. We need to get self out of the way so that God can do business with us. What faith this man has! He asks that Jesus just speak the word and a miracle will be done.

3 – The reaction (vs. 10-15)

The man was not disappointed.

• A message from the Lord – Jesus was impressed by the faith of this man. He had not found this faith in Israel. Look at the faith of the disciples. See Matthew 8:26. What about our faith? Do we trust in God to meet our needs like this Roman centurion? We release our faith then God will release his favour.
• A miracle from the Lord (vs. 13) – The favour was to be according to his faith. Little faith means little favour. Great faith means great favour. You don’t get great favour by moaning and complaining. You get it from great faith. This man knew he had favour before he got home. He saw his servant well before he got home! He was thanking Jesus before he got home. Don’t forget to have great faith!

Categories: Matthew