“When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, ‘I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.’” (Luke 7:9)
Faith in Christ is the foundation of our hope, the assurance of our salvation, and the means by which we walk in obedience to God. Yet how often do we exercise faith that moves the heart of Christ Himself?
The Roman centurion in Luke 7:2-10 was a remarkable exception. This man, though a Gentile, exhibited a faith so profound that even Jesus marveled. He was often astonished at the unbelief of His own people, Israel (Mark 6:6). But in this encounter, Jesus was amazed at the level of faith expressed by a pagan soldier—a rare occasion indeed.
Keep in mind that this centurion was no ordinary Roman. This man possessed rank and authority, responsible for commanding a hundred soldiers and enforcing the emperor’s rule over Israel. And yet, unlike many of his counterparts who despised the Jews, he was a friend to Israel and even built a synagogue for them (Luke 7:5). More importantly, he understood who Jesus was.
So when his beloved servant lay dying, he chose not to rely on Roman medicine or his own influence to summon the best physicians. He turned instead to the Jewish Messiah, the One he believed had power over life and death.
But what stands out most about the centurion is his humility and understanding of Christ’s authority. We know that because when Jesus was on His way to his home to heal the servant, the centurion sent messengers to stop Him, saying:
“Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” (Luke 7:6-7)
This soldier—who gave commands to those under his own authority daily—knew what true authority looked like. He recognized that Jesus did not need to be physically present to heal. His word alone was sufficient.
This was faith at its purest—a complete and unshaken confidence in the power of Christ. And for that, Jesus marveled.
Is our faith of such a degree that it moves the Master? Do we trust His authority over all things, knowing that He does whatever He pleases as God’s covenant Mediator?
Peter boldly declared: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God,” (Matt. 16:16), and all the disciples echoed this faith: “We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God,” (John 6:69).
This is the faith the apostles preached (Acts 13:23), the faith required of all believers (Acts 8:37), and the faith that pleases God (Heb. 11:6). There is no greater way to adore God than to demonstrate amazing faith in the power and authority of Jesus Christ, just as this centurion did. “Such a Sense of our Sinfulness, and utter Unworthiness, and Desert of Punishment, belongs to the Nature of Saving Faith.”[1]
Contemplations:
- The Humility of True Faith. The centurion saw himself as unworthy before Christ. He knew he was not fit for You to come under his roof. Do I approach You with the same humility? Or do I, at times, presume upon Your grace? Keep me lowly before You, Lord, that I may come in faith and reverence.
- Trusting the Power of His Word. Jesus, the centurion believed that just Your word was enough. Do I have the same confidence in Your promises? Or do I doubt when I cannot see immediate results? Strengthen my faith to trust Your word alone, knowing that what You declare shall come to pass.
- Recognizing His Authority. Father, the centurion understood that Christ’s authority was absolute—that He had power over sickness, over life, and over death. Do I live as though Christ is King over all things? Or do I still try to control my life, as if I hold the authority? Help me submit wholly to Christ, acknowledging Him as my Sovereign Lord.
- Pleasing God with Faith. Lord, Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please You. Do I live each day with a faith that pleases You? Am I resting fully in Christ’s power, walking in obedience without fear? Let my faith be bold and unwavering, like the centurion’s.
- Faith That Amazes the Master. Jesus, You marveled at the centurion’s faith. Does my faith stir Your heart? Do I trust You in a way that honors Your power? Help me live in such a way that You are glorified in my confidence in Your absolute sovereignty.
Prayer:
O Lord of heaven and earth, You alone are the Author and Finisher of my faith. I come before You, like the centurion, in humility and awe. For who am I, a wretched sinner, to approach the Lord of Glory? I am not worthy, yet You invite me to come.
Father, I confess that my faith is often weak and frail. I see obstacles, and I doubt. I face trials, and I waver. Forgive me, Lord, for my small faith. Forgive me for trusting in my own strength instead of Your sovereign power.
Yet You, O Lord, are merciful. You do not demand great faith, only true faith. Even a mustard seed of faith, placed in Your hands, is enough to move mountains. I do believe—help my unbelief.
I thank You, Jesus, that Your authority is absolute. When You speak, it is done. Just as the centurion trusted in Your word alone, let me trust in Your promises. Your word heals the sick, raises the dead, casts out demons, and calms the storm. Your word created the heavens. Your word sustains all things. And by Your word, I have eternal life.
So help me live by faith, O Lord! Help me walk without fear, knowing that You rule over every detail of my life. I desire that my faith amaze You, not because it is great in itself, but because it is fixed wholly upon You.
Grant me, Lord, a faith that is unshaken by trials, unhindered by doubt, and undivided in devotion. Let me trust You with my life, my family, my future, my soul.
And when I stand before You on that final day, may You say of me: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
For the glory of Christ, my King,
Amen.
Further References for Luke 7:9:
Matt. 8:5-13; Heb. 11:1-6; John 6:69; Rom. 4:20-21; Eph. 3:12.
[1] Jonathan Edwards, Discourses on Various Important Subjects, (Boston: Printed and sold by S. Kneeland and T. Green, in Queen-Street, over against the prison, 1738), 110.
