What Jesus Did! 'Faith' — Matthew 8:10-13

Sunday, April 4, 2021

When Jesus heard [the Roman officer say that Jesus didn't need to go to the servant to heal him], he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel! And I tell you this, that many Gentiles will come from all over the world — from east and west — and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven. But many Israelites — those for whom the Kingdom was prepared — will be thrown into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, "Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened." And the young servant was healed that same hour.

— Matthew 8:10-13 NLT

Key Thought

The most amazing aspect of this story is not Jesus' power to heal, but the faith of the Roman officer who opened the door for Jesus' amazing work to happen. I would love to bless the Lord with my faith and my concern for others, especially in trying times. We get a glimpse of heaven in this meeting between Jesus and a Gentile and in his faith and genuine concern for others. Nationality, race, status, and position are all irrelevant. All that matters is Jesus, his love for us, and our love for him. We will get to see him bless all kinds of people in incomparable ways. I can hardly wait ... But I will; I will wait so that I can show Jesus' concern for those broken whom only he can mend.

Today's Prayer

Holy God, my ever-near Father, please hear my prayer today. I pray that my faith in you, and my concern for others who need you, will open the door for you to do amazing things. Search my heart, use my hands, stir my hope, and use me to help others because I believe you can do amazing things through a common person like me when I believe in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 25:6-9
  • Revelation 7:9-12, 19:7-9
  • Acts 2:38-39

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 8:10-13 NLT — "I tell you the truth, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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