Text: Matthew 8:5-10; 15:21-28
Jesus spoke of some having great faith and others having little faith. What is the difference between these two types of faith? As Christians, if we examine ourselves, we will likely find ways in which we fit into both categories. Where we have great faith, we must continue. Where we have little faith, we must improve. In the next two lessons, we will consider the difference between great faith and little faith. For this lesson, we are going to 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 – but he refused; he knew that he was “not worthy for [Jesus] to come under [his] roof” (Matthew 8:8)
- Great faith will recognize the greatness of God (Psalm 100:3) – this leads us to recognize our insignificance before Him (Psalm 8:3-4); this leads to humility
Recognizes the Power of Jesus (Matthew 8:8)
- The centurion believed 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; cf. Luke 1:37) – we understand that He is the creator of the world (Hebrews 11:3); we also understand that He alone has the power to destroy the world (2 Peter 3:7)
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; cf. Hebrews 11:4)
Refuses to Be Turned Away (Matthew 15:21-23, 28)
- The disciples evidently were annoyed by this woman – they asked Jesus to send her away (Matthew 15:23); 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 – example in the parable about prayer (Luke 18:1-8); we need persistence to “press on toward the goal” and “attain to the resurrection” (Philippians 3:10-14)
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 that He seemingly called her a dog; but she refused to be offended because she knew that only Jesus could help her
- 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 (cf. Matthew 11:6)
Conclusion
- Important to notice – anyone can develop these characteristics of great faith; but we must resolve that we will
- Recognize our unworthiness, as well as the power and authority of Christ
- Refuse to be turned away or offended by the words of Christ
