Jesus loved to shock those who heard him into listening. He sometimes did this by making outsiders the heroes of stories and his actions. Like the story of the "Good Samaritan" (10:30-37), Zacchaeus (19:1-10), and the widow of Zerephath and Naaman the Syrian (4:24-30), the Roman soldier is the hero in this event, as Jesus turns the attention away from himself. He wants the people to see the importance of faith that trusts in his authority to act redemptively and bring salvation. For those of us who have been Christians awhile, new Christians, especially those who have come from outside our social circle and our range of experience, have much to teach us about the joy of salvation. The freshness of their faith, the new-found joy of knowing Jesus, and the challenges they face of living for Jesus can renew our faith and expand our joy as we try to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Rather than trying to find problems in their new walk with Jesus, let's look for ways they are a positive example for other believers.