Faith!

For Tuesday, February 21, 2023:

Matthew 8:8 NLT: “But the Roman officer said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.’”

We are saved by grace through faith, and this story is about faith. As Jesus traveled about teaching and healing, word spread quickly. Many people already believed in God, and having seen and heard Jesus, believed he was heaven-sent. The unlikely believer in today’s story was a Roman centurion, an officer working for the bad guys. But through faith, he appeals to Jesus: “Lord, my servant is at home in such terrible pain that he can't even move.” He considers himself unworthy, but is asking Jesus to show compassion.

Jesus did just that: “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” For Jesus, the healing was easy. But a Roman soldier having that kind of faith – that was amazing! That was hard to believe! Jesus later commented that even though the Son of man came to earth through the Jews, he is for ALL people including Gentiles. In the Kingdom of Heaven, there will be many Gentiles, while some Israelites will be condemned to outer darkness. It comes down to who is a believer, who has faith in the Son.

So Jesus’ message is that no matter where you’re from or no matter how you were raised, you can cultivate and grow your faith in Jesus – the more, the better! Let Jesus say about you, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!”

The Kingdom is prepared for all who believe!

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship