Pattern for Great Faith By F. Helen Jarvis During His earthly ministry, Jesus often frankly and publicly evaluated the faith of those who came to Him for help. Some He scolded for their lack of faith; others, He classified as having little faith; but two He cited for their great faith. These two were the Roman centurion of Capernaum (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-10) and the Syrophonecian woman (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). Their remarkable trust in the Lord has been an inspiration for believers from then until now. And analyzed in the light of basic principles, they furnish a most exciting pattern of faith. First, consider them as persons. Both were Gentiles. According to Jewish concept, they were outside the household of faith. One, a respected soldier, had subordinates and servants to do his bidding. Apparently he was a man of wealth and interested in doing good, for he had built a synagogue for the Jews. The other, a woman, was a lowly despised heathen, probably poor and servantless. Yet resident in the heart of these contrasting individuals was a similar quality of faith. Great faith is not a respecter of persons. It knows no race or color line. Faith involves attitude. Notice the humility of heart and mind with which both the soldier and the woman approached Jesus. He said, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof (Matthew 8:8, KJV). Falling at the Lords feet, she worshipped Him (Matthew 15:25). Consider the basis of this great faith. The centurion had complete confidence in the importance of the word of authority. Finding an analogy in his own experience, he affirmed: But speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed (Matthew 8:8). In essence, the woman said, You are the great Master of the universe and occupied with the affairs of eternity, but please think on my desperate need. Note the response of great faith -- it was immediate. The man was so sure the work was done he did not think it necessary to invite Jesus into his house. And after Jesus spoke the word of assurance to her, the woman unhesitatingly went her way. There is a sense in which faith is an action. For either of these people to have done less than demonstrate their faith by action would have been sheer unbelief. Mass healing services have their place and are wonderful exhibitions of the mighty, miraculous power of God; but there is also real merit in the faith of a single individual who, like this man or woman, can leave the afflicted one at home, go to a prayer meeting, and return confidently expecting to find God has healed that loved one. Oh, the great possibilities of a great faith in a great God! Pattern for Great Faith originally appeared in the July 24, 1966, Pentecostal Evangel.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 04:24:02 +0000
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