Luke 7:1-10

 Luke 7:1-10

Jesus and “The Long shot”. Luke who was the only gentile Gospel writer, brings us this story of an outsider being treated amazingly well. There are plenty of reasons that the man should not have received this blessing. First, he was a gentile. Jesus himself said that he was in pursuit of the lost sheep of Israel. The effort to reach the gentiles was not yet on the schedule. Second, the elders of the Jews were making the request. These were likely the leaders of the synagogue. Is it from this synagogues that the opposition to Jesus was being formed? These leaders were not necessarily supporters; in fact, they may have been part of the opposition movement. Third, their claim as to why Jesus should do this miracle was that the Centurion earned it. To say, “he is worthy of” about any human being must be said in the context of punishment, hell, or damnation. This man had not earned God's favor; no one has! 

But there was something about this man; it was his faith. In fact, Luke tells us that Jesus marveled at him. The word “marvel” is often used for and translated “wonders” the tremendous miracles of God that cause people to be awestruck. Such faith is so rare in that moment that Jesus was awestruck by this man's faith. God is never left speechless, but for this instant God made flesh comes close. Jesus was in wide-eyed wonder. 

Nothing could be a better recommendation than to have the Lord say, “Your faith amazes me.” Where in my life is there a place where my faith can so be described?

"Lord, Help me have a faith that amazes You. AMEN"