Faith that Amazed Jesus
Lessons from the Centurion
Don’t you just love simple stories that pack a spiritual punch?
There’s one just like that in Matthew 8:5–13. It’s short. It’s straightforward. And yet, it’s loaded with profound truth that can reshape how we see faith.
Picture this: You’re in Capernaum, a busy fishing village on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. More than just another town, this was home base for Jesus’ ministry. The streets are buzzing, the market’s alive, and neighbors are swapping stories while fishermen mend their nets.
Then Jesus walks in.
He’s just come down from the hillside where He delivered the Sermon on the Mount — one of the most powerful teachings ever given. People are still stirred by His words when suddenly, something unexpected happens.
A Roman centurion approaches.
Not a local. Not a disciple. Not a man known for following Jewish traditions. He’s a decorated officer in the occupying Roman army — someone who represents power, authority, and, let’s be honest, tension.
Why is he here? What does he want with Jesus?
Truthfully? He’s desperate.
And what happens next reveals the kind of faith that stops Jesus in His tracks — the kind that still stirs heaven today.
There’s one just like that in Matthew 8:5–13. It’s short. It’s straightforward. And yet, it’s loaded with profound truth that can reshape how we see faith.
Picture this: You’re in Capernaum, a busy fishing village on the edge of the Sea of Galilee. More than just another town, this was home base for Jesus’ ministry. The streets are buzzing, the market’s alive, and neighbors are swapping stories while fishermen mend their nets.
Then Jesus walks in.
He’s just come down from the hillside where He delivered the Sermon on the Mount — one of the most powerful teachings ever given. People are still stirred by His words when suddenly, something unexpected happens.
A Roman centurion approaches.
Not a local. Not a disciple. Not a man known for following Jewish traditions. He’s a decorated officer in the occupying Roman army — someone who represents power, authority, and, let’s be honest, tension.
Why is he here? What does he want with Jesus?
Truthfully? He’s desperate.
And what happens next reveals the kind of faith that stops Jesus in His tracks — the kind that still stirs heaven today.
“Just Say the Word…” (Matthew 8:8)
The centurion, moved by compassion for his servant, humbles himself before Jesus and calls out, “Lord.”
That one word? It means Master. King. The One with ultimate authority.
And the centurion meant it. He didn’t just say it — he believed it.
He didn’t demand. He didn’t posture. He simply asked for help:
He understood something most people missed: Jesus didn’t need to show up physically to move powerfully. He just needed to speak.
That one word? It means Master. King. The One with ultimate authority.
And the centurion meant it. He didn’t just say it — he believed it.
He didn’t demand. He didn’t posture. He simply asked for help:
“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.” (Matthew 8:8)
He understood something most people missed: Jesus didn’t need to show up physically to move powerfully. He just needed to speak.
What Made This Faith So Powerful?
1. He made it about others.
2. He recognized authority.
3. He responded with action.
This wasn’t even for himself — it was for his servant.
Faith that puts others first reflects the heart of Jesus.
2. He recognized authority.
As a soldier, he understood how authority worked:
“When I say ‘Go,’ they go...” (Matthew 8:9)
He believed Jesus’ word carried supernatural weight.
Jesus said,
“Go. Let it be done as you believed.” And the centurion went. (Matthew 8:13)
Real faith moves. It acts. It follows through.
A Faith That Amazes Heaven
“When Jesus heard this, He was amazed…” (Matthew 8:10)
Let’s pause there.
Jesus — the Son of God, who created the cosmos — was amazed by the centurions faith!
Not by church attendance.
Not by religious rituals.
But by faith.
Not just any faith, either — a humble, others-focused, authority-honoring, action-taking kind of faith.
That’s what grabs heaven’s attention.
Faith is about Alignment, not Agenda
Let’s clear something up.
This isn’t about “name it and claim it.”
This isn’t about bigger houses, fancier cars, or greater status.
The centurion wasn’t asking for luxury. He wasn’t manipulating spiritual principles to upgrade his life. He just wanted to see someone made whole.
That’s real faith.
Faith isn’t a formula. It’s a relationship.
It’s not “How do I get God to do what I want?”
It’s “How can I live in alignment with God’s will?”
Let me say it again: Faith is about alignment with God’s will.
This isn’t about “name it and claim it.”
This isn’t about bigger houses, fancier cars, or greater status.
The centurion wasn’t asking for luxury. He wasn’t manipulating spiritual principles to upgrade his life. He just wanted to see someone made whole.
That’s real faith.
Faith isn’t a formula. It’s a relationship.
It’s not “How do I get God to do what I want?”
It’s “How can I live in alignment with God’s will?”
Let me say it again: Faith is about alignment with God’s will.
What Does This Mean for You?
Ask yourself:
If these questions challenge you, good. That’s the Holy Spirit nudging you toward more.
- Do I trust Jesus’ word — even when I can’t see results yet?
- Do I come to Jesus with humility, or with demands?
- Is my faith active — or just theoretical?
If these questions challenge you, good. That’s the Holy Spirit nudging you toward more.
How to Grow Faith Like the Centurion
1. Speak the Word.
2. Submit to His Lordship.
3. Take Action.
Don’t just read Scripture — declare it out loud over your life and circumstances. Let your ears hear your mouth say what God says.
2. Submit to His Lordship.
Don’t just call Him “Lord” — let Him lead. Align your decisions with His direction.
3. Take Action.
Do what you’ve been hesitating to do. Move in faith, even if it’s uncomfortable.
Jesus Is Still Speaking... Are You Listening?
He’s still saying, “Go.”
He’s still saying, “Be healed.”
He’s still amazed by the kind of faith that’s rooted in humility, authority, and action.
Let’s be people who walk in that kind of faith — not for show, not for gain, but to love others well and respond to the One who speaks with power.
Let’s make Jesus more than just our Sunday solution.
Let’s make Him our Treasure.
He’s still saying, “Be healed.”
He’s still amazed by the kind of faith that’s rooted in humility, authority, and action.
Let’s be people who walk in that kind of faith — not for show, not for gain, but to love others well and respond to the One who speaks with power.
Let’s make Jesus more than just our Sunday solution.
Let’s make Him our Treasure.
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