Marvelous Faith

AUGUST 27, 2024

 “When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him…and said…I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” (Luke 7:9)

It is hard for us to get our minds around a statement such as this with reference to Christ: “He marveled.” In our Lord Jesus “dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” He is “the express image of God’s person,” and John tells us that “He knew what was in man.” So how could anything surprise Him? Yet our text clearly states that when Jesus saw the faith of this Roman Centurion “He marveled.”

Mark tells us that He marveled at the unbelief of his disciples – at their “little faith.” (Mark 6:6) This is perhaps a bit more understandable, considering they had been in close company with Him, and been privileged to sit under His extraordinary teaching.

This man, though a Gentile, and having never before seen the Lord in person, was not ignorant of the Jews’ religion, and was apparently sympathetic with their cause. We are reminded of another Roman Centurion that the Apostle Peter met up with in Acts Chapter 10, who was devout, God-fearing, a giver of alms, and an observer of the appointed times of prayer. Just as Cornelius became a believer, so this man demonstrates character qualities that are consistent with a man of true faith.

How marvelous, a Roman officer (not generally known for tenderness) has sympathy and compassion for a suffering servant! How out of character for one so powerful as he to condescend to help a man of such low degree! These are characteristics that we ordinarily expect to admire in followers of Christ. But can we say that we have discovered the reason why our Lord admired his faith? What sort of faith is it that causes Him to marvel?

As we attempt to answer this question, let us say to begin with, that it would, at the very least, have to measure up to the biblical definition of faith. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews, which is known as the faith chapter, and contains many examples of great faith, begins with these words: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This man had substantial hope based solely upon what he believed concerning Christ. His confidence was founded on no visible evidence. Multitudes saw Christ’s miracles, and yet did not believe. In fact, many who witnessed the miracle of the loaves and fishes, and were fed that day, did not truly believe. (John 6:26; see also John 2:23, 24)

This man believed because of what he had heard. “And when he heard.” (Luke 7:3a) “…faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Rom. 10:17) Many are of the opinion that if they could see Christ or perhaps, witness a miracle, they would believe. However, Scripture says otherwise: “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

Secondly, the faith that caused Christ to marvel was such as caused pride to be humbled. This was no ordinary man. He was a man of Authority. One reason that “not many mighty, not many noble are called” is that it is hard for men of power and authority to humble themselves. But this man, while others feared him for his office, he was condescending, and even self-abasing. He felt unworthy for the Lord to come under his roof. He acknowledged that his own authority was limited, while the Lord’s authority is sovereign and universal. We can be certain that any faith that does not humble human pride will never meet the approval of Christ.

Thirdly, the faith that caused Christ to marvel believed the impossible, based upon Christ’s Word alone.“…speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed.” (Matt. 8:8) “…say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” (Luke 7:7)

This is the kind of faith that we need. Distance is no barrier. “Speak the word.” Deadly disease is no factor. “…grievously tormented, ready to die.” Is there a lost soul who will believe the impossible? There is no sinful condition so desperate that He cannot cure it by the power of His Word. What is the Gospel, but “the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”(Rom. 10:8, 9)