JANUARY 23, 2024

Matthew 8:5-13 (HCSB)
A Centurion’s Faith 5 When He entered Capernaum,  a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony!” 7 “I will come and heal him,” He told him. 8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But only say the word, and my servant will be cured.  9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command.  I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” 10 Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following Him, “I assure you: I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith! 11 I tell you that many will come from east and west, and recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.  12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”  13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed,  let it be done for you.” And his servant was cured that very moment.

Pastor HD Jones
The second miracle we see in Matthew 8 continues to demonstrate Jesus’ authority.  He doesn’t have to physically touch someone to heal them, all He has to do is say the word.  That is important because only God can speak things into existence.  This story also reveals that Jesus is not concerned only with His race but extends His grace, mercy, and authority to the Gentiles as well.  That is good news for us that are not physically born Jewish.  If Jesus was concerned with people that were different than Him then we should be as well. When you encounter people that have lived a different life or express themselves in unique ways, don’t be so quick to dismiss their value to God.  Remember last week… all people are created by Him and for Him.  We are just the fortunate ones that have been awakened to that truth.  One day every knee will bow and confess Him as Lord but not every person will be in Heaven.        That is reserved for only those that accept His invitation before our time is up.  So again, look at others as an opportunity not as a waste of your time.