Scripture: Matthew 8:5-13
Today, as previously announced, we will be
celebrating healing for either yourself, or for another. But before we begin that portion of the
service, first, two verses that focus on the power of Jesus by faith through
prayer. We need to remember Jesus’ words
in John 14:13 –“ 13 And
I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified
in the Son.” And
in Mark 11:24 – “ 24 Therefore
I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it,
and it will be yours.”
And with these verses as the Lord’s promise to each of us, we
consider the fullness of power in faith through prayer.
Read Matthew 8:5-13
A centurion was a Roman military officer – a gentile
who the Jews were supposed to avoid associating with, and even from entering
their home. And apparently, the officer
understands this, so is surprised that Jesus would even suggest that He would
come to the Roman’s home. But as an
alternative to the Lord’s actually entering the gentile house, he lets Jesus
know that they can remain right where they are, if Jesus will simply speak
a word of healing for the servant.
And to explain why he believes that a simple command
will be sufficient, he describes the authority that both his military superiors
have over him and that which he himself holds over others. Obviously, he understands the power that
authority contains. And in that
understanding, he also reveals what he believes about the authority that Jesus,
too, has been granted regarding His ability to heal, as well as perform other
miracles!
This is a Roman gentile whom, we can assume, has
heard of Jesus, but has never met Him before!
And yet, he has a faith that exceeds that of nearly every other
person who had ever encountered Christ!
Jesus then replies that many who have always expected to be welcomed
into the kingdom of God, will be sadly surprised when, on that glorious day of
Christ’s return, they are refused heavenly glory, while others, who have true
faith, regardless of who they may be, will be warmly welcomed.
Jesus then directs the centurion to return
home, and that when he arrives there, he will discover that his servant has
already been healed, even by the unspoken word of healing, that had come
directly from the Lord’s heart, through the great faith that
this Roman officer had just demonstrated!
The officer may not have actually spoken the name of
Jesus, but his faith in who Jesus is was all that was needed. And in faith, he
believed that the Lord could, and would, do what he had asked. And the servant was healed! Today, as you come forward, in faith, for
prayer, believe!
Note: And following this message, a healing service was conducted for both churches.
