Show Don't Tell: Matthew 8:5-13

Instead of saying "Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith," see the uniform approach. A Roman centurion—occupier, pagan, commander of a hundred soldiers—approaches a Jewish rabbi. His servant is paralyzed, suffering terribly. Jesus says, "Shall I come and heal him?" The centurion's response astonishes: "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed." He understands authority. He tells soldiers go, they go. Come, they come. He recognizes Jesus' authority over sickness. "I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith." Jesus marvels—the only time he marvels at faith. A Gentile soldier understands what the chosen people miss. "Go! Let it be done just as you believed." The servant is healed at that very hour.