Jesus said, you of little faith? I think about that and I trust him w all that I am... when fear tries to come over me I remember Fear not for I am w you always! Faith conquers

Thinking back on the sermon "Amazing Faith", regarding the faith of the Centurion. Thinking about His humility before Christ, his character towards his slaves, his recognition of Christ's authority and confidence in Christ's ability and character.

A high, high and lifted up view of Christ is what we need for amazing faith.

"Lord I believe, help my unbelief."

Praying we all grow in faith, and confidence in Jesus.

I'm encouraged to see the theme of faith. Jesus marvels that the centurion had "the assurance of the things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen", Heb 11:1.
When Jesus calms the storm, he chided the disciples for their little faith.
I want to more and more be increasing in my faith...that the promises spoken in the Word, and the character of God are so sure to me. Also, I'm encouraged that a growing and maturing faith leads to a difference in attitude and action (the difference between being afraid during a great storm vs being certain of the Lord's decree to come to pass)....Faith affects our everyday life.

Two words "Jesus marveled" make me have a great pause. To contemplate that The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Creator and Sustainer of all Universe, our Savior and Lord looks on one of His clay pots and marvels at his faith is an unbelievable truth to meditate on. It is an amazing thing to see what our Lord is pleased with and how He responded to the Centurion's great faith, humility and love by giving the Centurion what he asked for.

I was beautifully reminded in v. 2-3 how I too need to humbly bow before the Lord each night for cleansing of my daily sins and can be assured of those precious words "I am willing....Be clean" by our loving and gentle Savior.

They saw the miracles. They heard his words. The issue for them is the same issue for us though: Are we willing to follow him (vv. 18-22)? Are we going to believe in such a way that it causes us to place ourselves under his authority for the rest of our lives (vv. 8-10)?

There's so much to today's reading! Christ shows His deity by healing those around Him and calming a storm; yet, these same stories also show Christ's amazing love and compassion for us. The Centurion shows us what true faith looks like. And finally, the disciples show us what Jesus expects of His followers > obedience no matter what the circumstances. I pray my faith will be like that of the Centurion's so that I will be able to obey Christ even in the difficult circumstances.

I was struck by the humility of the centurion (Verse 8--I am not worthy). While we would be quick to agree that we are not worthy of salvation, that it is totally because of God's grace, not our works, how easy it is for spiritual pride to creep in. We can be deceived into subtly expecting God to bless us in certain ways because we are following Him, to feel that it isn't fair when we encounter difficulties or are mistreated. I am so thankful for a God that isn't fair (giving me the eternal punishment I deserve), but merciful.

Tommy and Martha - Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah/King of Israel. Chapter 8 demonstrates the power of the King over everything. But He is not just the Savior for the Jews but also the Gentiles as many OT prophecies made clear and that is why so much of His ministry was focused in Galilee. The other side of the Sea of Galilee was predominantly Gentile. After Jesus cast out demons the other gospels tell us that the people were afraid. Having encountered Christ they wanted nothing to do with Him. They were more comfortable with the demon possessed people that they felt they could manage. So this chapter clearly shows Jesus as the King but it also shows that while many will trust Him (both Jew and Gentile) most will reject Him. The people of the Gadarenes are much like people today. They would prefer the way things are over submitting to Christ even though it is obvious who He is because they don't want to give things up for Him.

Theme Summary: After teaching on the mountain about the genuine faith of those in the kingdom of heaven, an unclean leper, gentile centurion, and many sick (examples of those outside Israel from east and west) express such faith in their Lord like Abraham and are healed, while many Israelite disciples and a scribe (sons of the kingdom) express little faith. Jesus warns that the many sons of the kingdom, who should have the most genuine faith, will be shown to be hypocrites and thrown into the outer darkness.

I noticed that after teaching on the Kingdom of his Father throughout the sermon on the mount, chapter 8 is where people first (and repeatedly) begin calling Jesus "Lord." Not everyone who calls him "Lord" will enter the Kingdom of heaven (as he just taught in the sermon). Some enter by the narrow gate, others seek a wider gate and either haven't considered the cost of following Jesus or seek an easier way.

I'm finding it fruitful to read this chapter in light of Jesus' sermon, but how the casting out demons at the end fits in is not as clear (Matt 8:28-34). Is this exemplifying something about not throwing your pearls before pigs (Matt 7:6) lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you? Jesus heals two demon possessed men, and the people want him to leave their region. That might be too thin though. Why did Matthew include this story right here?

If someone came along who could heal even demon possessed men, making the town much safer because nobody could pass that way before, then why would they chase him away??

I agree with Art. Jesus' command to follow him has no preconditions, just a total commitment TO him!

"Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?" I must admit there are times when Christ's words ring true in my ear, although as I grow in faith I know He keeps me!

So glad that our Lord is willing and more than able to make us clean just like He did the leper. Jesus is worthy of all our trust and confidence and yet there are times when we are fearful like the disciples on the boat. Thankful that we have Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to show us the Savior and strengthen our trust in Him.

The centurion, who leads 100 men, clearly understands delegation of power and authority. What really strikes me is that he deeply cared for his servant, which were the lowliest of the low in that day. Even though he can have his slaves and soldiers do whatever he asks by giving them orders, he knew that Jesus could heal his servant by just saying the word. In yesterday's scripture (Matt 7:7) it says, "Ask, and it will be given to you", the centurion certainly had great faith that Jesus would do this. He was also sensitive to the fact that he felt unworthy for Jesus to go to the trouble for him as well as cultural tradition of a Jew not entering a Gentile house to avoid contamination. This centurion leads with humility and a focus on others, not being consumed with a title or his power. Such a great example.

I'm struck by Jesus's exhortation in v. 18, come follow me. No preconditions, just a total commitment to Jesus. That's what Jesus wants, that's what Jesus is worthy of, our total and unconditional commitment to follow him.

What an all mighty, powerful savior we have the privilege to serve. We need to set our eyes on Him and have faith so he can execute his plan and purpose for our lives. Jesus is our protector and provider and he gives us all we need. “ Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.“ Mt 7:7

The Creator and sustainer of the universe created this centurion and still marveled at his great faith! His faith was greater than anyone in Israel, and this centurion was a Gentile! As a centurion myself, this provides me incredible encouragement in so many ways. I’m so thankful for this passage for the centurion’s faith.

What kind of man is this? (V. 27)

God in the flesh. The One who spoke everything out of nothing. Perfect. Holy. Alll knowing. Alll powerful. And willing to leave Heaven to come to earth as a baby, face the temptation of Satan and the rejection of His people, to be tortured and hung on a cross all so that he could pay the price that was due for our sin and could conquer death and save those who hung him on the cross in the first place.

His request in verse 22 to "Follow Me" seems like a no-brainer in light of what kind of man he was and what kind of God he is.