Text: Matthew 8:10, 26
Jesus spoke of some as having great faith and others having little faith. What is the difference between these two types of faith? And how do we measure up to these descriptions of faith? As Christians, if we examine ourselves, we will likely find similarities in both categories. Where we have great faith, we must continue. Where we have little faith, we must improve. The next lesson will focus on little faith. In this lesson, let us see what the Bible calls great faith.
Great Faith Recognizes One’s Own Unworthiness (Matthew 8:6-8)
- Jesus offered to come to the centurion’s house – he refused because he knew he was “not worthy for [Jesus] to come under [his] roof” (Matthew 8:8)
- Great faith will recognize the greatness of God (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 1:25; Psalm 100:3)
- Leads us to recognize our insignificance before Him (Psalm 8:3-4) – results in humility (1 Peter 5:6)
Great Faith Recognizes the Power of Jesus (Matthew 8:8)
- The centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant with a word – even from another location (Matthew 8:8)
- Great faith recognizes that there is no limit to the Lord’s power (Ephesians 3:20; Luke 1:37) – also recognizes the power of His word (Hebrews 4:12)
- We must understand that He is the creator of the world (Hebrews 11:3) – also understand that He alone has the power to destroy the world (2 Peter 3:7)
Great Faith Recognizes the Authority of Jesus (Matthew 8:8-9)
- As a centurion in the Roman army, this man was very familiar with the concept of authority – from the perspective of giving and receiving orders
- He believed Jesus had authority from God – all authority has been given to Christ (Matthew 28:18)
- Great faith will lead us to respect His authority (Colossians 3:17)
Great Faith Refuses to be Turned Away (Matthew 15:21-28)
- The disciples evidently were annoyed by this woman (Matthew 15:23) – but she persisted so that she might get what she was seeking from the Lord (Matthew 15:28)
- Persistence is a trait that the faithful ought to have – ex: parable about prayer (Luke 18:1-8; cf. Romans 12:12)
- We need persistence to “press on toward the goal” and “attain to the resurrection” (Philippians 3:10-14)
Great Faith Refuses to be Offended by Jesus (Matthew 15:24-28)
- Some would have been offended by Jesus’ words if they were in this woman’s position (Matthew 15:26) – she could have taken offense, but she refused to be offended because she knew that Jesus was the only one who could help
- On another occasion, many departed from Jesus over a “difficult statement” (John 6:60, 66) – but He was the only one who could offer them the “words of eternal life” (John 6:68)
- Great faith will accept Jesus’ words rather than be offended by them and turn away (Matthew 11:6)
Conclusion
- Important to notice about these characteristics of great faith – anyone can develop them, but we must resolve that we will
- Recognize – our unworthiness, the power and authority of Christ
- Refuse – to be turned away or be offended
