SO GREAT FAITH IN SPITE OF DISTANCE

Matt 9:29; Matt 8:5-10,10

This man came to Jesus with a rare request and Matthew tells us of our Lord's remarkable response (Vs 10). Only on two occasions did Jesus marvel,

A. Once he marveled at the absence of faith (Mark 6:6).

B. Here he marvels at the presence of it (vs 10).

The greatness of his faith is shown by....

I. The appeal he registered (8:6)

A. He was convinced that Jesus alone could help him

It may be he had heard of the leper that had just been healed (8:1-4)

B. He was compassionate (Luke 7:2-3)

1. The condition of the servant (8:6) "lieth at home"

He was in such a weakened condition he was unable to get up. Luke tells us he was "sick and ready to die" (Luke 7:2).

2. There was the care of the soldier

This servant was a slave. In that day slaves did not matter. No one cared if they lived or died. This soldier cared!

This soldier watched the life or his slave slowly slip away and there was nothing he could do.

When all hope seem to be gone this soldier came to Jesus and registered his appeal.

3. He had faith in Jesus the one who could cure.

His coming to Jesus proved his faith. Jesus wants us to come (Matt 11:28; John 6:37)

What that soldier did was good for him and it was good for those he loved.

His great faith gave him feet to go to Jesus and a voice to speak to Jesus (Matt 8:7) "I will come and heal him."

II. The argument he raised (8:8) "not worthy"

A. The compliment of the people (Luke 7:4-5)

The people who knew him said he was a worthy man. In the presence of men this man was respected.

B. The confession of the centurion (8:8)

the only language fit for a man in the presence of Christ are the words used by this soldier "Not worthy."

He was conscious of how far short he fell of god's standard. He came to jesus renouncing all that he was.

we must come as he came. We must come as the prodigal came "No more worthy.."

When we find out how worthy Christ is we find out how unworthy we are (Rev 4:11: 5:12).

III. The authority he recognized (8:8) "speak the word only"

This centurion was a soldier in command. He had only to speak and his command was carried out!

He recognized in Christ an even greater authority. Speak the word only (8:8-9)

IV. The approval he required (8:10; 9:27-30)

V. The answer he received (8:13b)

A. Great faith cannot go without reward (8:13a)

B. Great faith gets great answers (8:13b) "so be it done"

He returned home and found his servant whole.

C. Great faith brings God great pleasure (Heb 11:6)

The sinner is saved by faith (Eph 2:8-9)