Scripture:
Vs 2 And behold, a leper came to (Jesus) … “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.
Vs 4 And Jesus said to him, “… go, show yourself to the priest …”
Vs 5 When he entered Capernaum, a centurion … appealed to him, 6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed …”
Vs 13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.”
Vs 14 And when Jesus entered Peter’s house, he saw his mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15 He touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she rose and began to serve him.
Vs 25 And (the disciples)went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?”
Vs 27 And the (disciples) marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”
Vs 28 … two demon-possessed men met (Jesus). 29 And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? “ Vs . 31 And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.”
Vs 32 And (Jesus) said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went …
33 The herdsmen fled, and going into the city they told everything, especially what had happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 And behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their region.
Observation:
Many interactions with Jesus take place in this chapter.
Jesus and …
… a leper .
… a centurion.
… a mother-in-law.
… the disciples.
… the demons.
… the townspeople.
What distinguishes each is a direct correlation between FAITH and OBEDIENCE.
When there is a clear recognition of who Jesus is, there is immediate obedience.
Fascinatingly, it’s the disciples and the townspeople, who showed the least faith.
Application:
If I saw this list of people and was asked to choose those who would have faith in Jesus, I would fail miserably.
If I simply saw a description of people, I would, in fact, probably not have chosen ANY correctly of who has faith.
I would think the disciples, who spent the most time with Jesus, would certainly have strong faith in Jesus.
I would also think townspeople (who heard a direct testimony about demons who haunted their town and were now gone!) would have faith in who Jesus was. But nope!
The disciples were specifically described as having “little faith” by a Jesus. And they even asked “Who is this man?”
So, who then did have faith in Jesus?
A society outcast …
A Roman military man …
An in-law …
And even demons!
And how do I see their faith? Each responded to Jesus with obedience!
If I just had their title or label or description, I would never expect that.
How do I know for myself even that I have faith ilJesus is who He says He is? I act in obedience. I obey what He says!
Prayer:
Thank you God for your word
Thank you for the examples of faith and obedience you give
Give me ears to hear what you want me to do
Give me courage to do it
In Jesus name
Amen