Title: Amazing Faith
Theme: Jesus is amazed at the faith of a Roman centurion. Proper 4(9) Yr. C
Object: None needed, but you could use some of the props mentioned.
Scripture: When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" Luke 7:9 (NLT)
Many times I have seen something and said, "That's amazing!" In fact, hardly a day goes by that I don't see something that amazes me. For example, I am amazed that an airplane filled with 400 people can actually fly!; I am amazed that I can ask my smartphone a question and actually get an answer!; I am amazed that I can flip a switch on the wall and light up a room!; I am amazed that some people actually eat bugs! What are some things that amaze you? (Give time for responses.)
Most of us are pretty easily amazed. Do you think that Jesus was ever amazed? After all, Jesus came to earth as the Son of God. I wouldn't think he would have been amazed at anything! Today's Bible reading tells the story of a man who actually did amaze Jesus. Here is something amazing about the story-the Bible doesn't even tell us his name! It only tells us that he was an officer in the Roman army. Let's take a look at this amazing story!
One day, as Jesus entered the town of Capernaum, he was met by a small group of Jewish leaders who had a request. There was this Roman centurion in Capernaum who had a servant who was so sick that he was expected to die. The centurion had heard of Jesus and had asked these elders to go to Jesus on his behalf to see if Jesus might be willing to heal his servant. The men came to Jesus and pleaded with him to heal the centurion's servant. "This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our people. He even built our meeting place" So Jesus went with them.
Before Jesus even arrived at the centurion's house, the officer sent friends to tell him, "Master, don't even go to the trouble to come to my house, because I am not worthy of such an honor. Just say the word and my servant will be healed."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He turned to the crowd of people that was following him and said, "I haven't seen faith like this in all of Israel!" The officer's friends turned and went back to the centurion's house. When they arrived, they found the servant completely healed.
"I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!" (Luke 7:9 NLT). Yes, I think Jesus was amazed at the Roman officer's faith. Wouldn't it be wonderful if you and I had faith that would amaze Jesus?
Heavenly Father, give us faith that is as strong as that of the Roman centurion. Give us an amazing faith. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
