A Faith that Pleases Jesus

There were things that pleased Jesus and we would probably do well in assuming those same things please the Heavenly Father.  One of these things was the exercise of faith, particularly in one instance by a gentile, a Roman Centurion. 

Foundational to this story is the interplay between Jew and gentile.  The story is heightened by the fact Jesus did not come to minister to gentiles, but Jews (See Matt. 10:5-7; Matt. 10:23-24).  It’s further interesting to note the Centurion “went through” Jewish elders whom he knew to make his appeal to Jesus on behalf of his servant who was dying.  The basis of this appeal was his apparent love for Israel and the fact he had built them a synagogue.  This persuaded Jesus so He went with these emissaries toward the Centurion’s house.

Others the Centurion posted looking for the possible appearance of Jesus.  These he gave a message for Jesus.  When these persons saw Jesus a distance away from the house they intercepted Him with the Centurion's message, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof.  Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You.  But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 

This message from the Centurion continued. “For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me.  And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

“When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, ‘I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!’” 

“And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick” (Luke 7:6-10).

Jesus delighted to see people “believe”, possibly with the understanding in time they would come to believe in Him as God’s sent One.  In fact, the Scriptures clearly bear witness to this perspective, “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His Name” (John 20:30,31).

Everyone has the capacity to “believe”.  It’s simply critical which direction one turns with that believing.