In our daily Group Bible Study devotionals, we examine "What Does Great Faith Look Like?” The most exemplary examples of God's view on great faith are found in Scripture. Let’s explore this further:
"When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him said, 'I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such great faith.' And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well."— Luke 7:9-10 (ESV)
In the Gospels, Jesus encountered thousands of people, yet on only two occasions did He explicitly marvel at someone’s "great faith." One of these remarkable individuals was a Roman centurion—a foreign military officer commanding a garrison of soldiers in Capernaum.
When this centurion's highly valued servant fell gravely ill, the officer reached out to Jesus. The Jewish leaders of the town enthusiastically endorsed the centurion, pleading with Jesus: "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue" (Luke 7:4-5).
Notice the fundamental conflict in perspective: the religious community argued that the centurion deserved a miracle because of his good deeds, his wealth, and his public service. But as Jesus drew near the house, the centurion sent a message that completely rejected any notion of personal merit: "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof... But say the word, and my servant will be healed" (Luke 7:6-7).
3 Characteristics of Great Faith in Luke 7
The centurion's profound response reveals why his faith amazed Jesus:
· He understood mercy over merit: While others pointed to his religious achievements, the centurion knew he possessed no moral claim on God. He approached Jesus strictly on the basis of Christ’s mercy, not his own worthiness.
· He understood spiritual authority: As a military commander, he knew how authority operated in a chain of command. When he gave an order to a soldier, the full weight and power of the Roman Empire backed his word. He recognized that Jesus possessed absolute spiritual authority over sickness, creation, and distance. Jesus didn't need to physically travel to his house or perform a complex ritual; a single word spoken from a distance was sufficient.
· He possessed a heart of compassionate humility: Rather than using his high social position for selfish gain, he expended his relational capital to seek relief for a lowly servant. Furthermore, he was sensitive to Jewish customs, knowing that entering a Gentile home would make a Jewish teacher ceremonially unclean.
Taking Biblical Risks of Faith
True biblical faith is often risky. It takes risk to step out on what we believe God is saying. What if the centurion sent his message, and the servant was not healed? What if he was made to look foolish?
When we consider taking risky steps of faith, we must carefully evaluate our motives through a biblical lens. Before taking a leap of faith, ask yourself these crucial diagnostic questions:
1. Is this step clearly aligned with the text and principles of Scripture?
2. Will this bring glory to the name and character of Jesus, or am I seeking attention for myself?
3. Does this step foster deep humility in my soul, whether the outcome turns out as I expect or not?
4. Could this step of faith help bring someone else closer to salvation in Christ?
The centurion brought together what he understood about authority, mercy, and Christ's supreme power, and he acted decisively upon it. Jesus celebrated this heart as an example of great faith for all believers to follow. — Keith Thomas
Practical Application for Daily Devotions
· Conduct a Motive Check: Take one situation in your life where you are asking God for a breakthrough and run it through the diagnostic questions above. Are you approaching God based on what you feel you "deserve," or are you resting entirely in His unmerited mercy?
· Intercede on Behalf of Someone Else: The centurion used his faith and influence on behalf of someone who could not heal himself. Identify one person in your sphere of influence who is struggling or far from God and spend ten intentional minutes praying specifically for Jesus to speak a word of restoration over their life.
A Daily Prayer for Faith and Humility
Heavenly Father, I confess that I often fall into the trap of thinking You respond to me because of my own efforts or good deeds. Strip away all spiritual pride from my heart. I come to You today relying solely on Your mercy and the authority of Jesus. Lord, You hold all power in heaven and earth, and no distance or difficulty can obstruct Your word. Give me the humility of this centurion, and grant me the courage to take holy risks that bring honor to Your name. Amen.
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Deepen Your Study
Discover how God uses ordinary believers to work extraordinary miracles when they choose to trust His Spirit. Watch the full teaching video for this study on YouTube, available with subtitles in 70 languages. Click the following link:
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· Read the full study online: How Can We Have Great Faith
· Series: This excerpt is taken from the series Growing Faith in God
· Visit the Keith Thomas YouTube Channel for more teachings.