'Faith' - Matthew 8:10-13

When Jesus heard [the Roman officer say that Jesus didn't need to go to the servant to heal him], he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world — from east and west — and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites — those for whom the Kingdom was prepared — will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.


—Matthew 8:10-13 NLT

Key Thought​

The most amazing aspect of this story is not Jesus' power to heal, but the faith of the Roman officer who opened the door for Jesus' amazing work to happen. I would love to bless the Lord with my faith and my concern for others, especially in trying times. We get a glimpse of heaven in this meeting between Jesus and a Gentile and in his faith and genuine concern for others. Nationality, race, status, and position are all irrelevant. All that matters is Jesus, his love for us, and our love for him. We will get to see him bless all kinds of people in incomparable ways. I can hardly wait ... But I will; I will wait so that I can show Jesus' concern for those broken whom only he can mend.

Today's Prayer​

Holy God, my ever-near Father, please hear my prayer today. I pray that my faith in you, and my concern for others who need you, will open the door for you to do amazing things. Search my heart, use my hands, stir my hope, and use me to help others because I believe you can do amazing things through a common person like me when I believe in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Isaiah 25:6-9
• Revelation 7:9-12, 19:7-9
• Acts 2:38-39

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