Matthew 8:10
When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, "Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.
When Jesus heard this
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, where Jesus responds to the centurion's demonstration of faith. The Greek word for "heard" is "ἀκούσας" (akousas), which implies not just the act of hearing but also understanding and perceiving. In the context of the Gospels, Jesus' ability to hear and understand goes beyond the physical; it reflects His divine insight into the hearts and minds of individuals. This moment underscores the importance of faith that is not just spoken but deeply understood by Christ.

He marveled
The Greek word used here is "ἐθαύμασεν" (ethaumazen), which means to be amazed or astonished. It is significant that Jesus, who is omniscient, is described as marveling. This indicates the extraordinary nature of the centurion's faith. In the Gospels, Jesus marvels at both great faith and the lack of faith, highlighting the importance of belief in His ministry. The centurion's faith stands out as a model for believers, showing that true faith can astonish even the Son of God.

and said to those following Him
This phrase indicates that Jesus is addressing His disciples and possibly the crowd that was with Him. The Greek word for "following" is "ἀκολουθοῦσιν" (akolouthousin), which means to accompany or to be a disciple. This moment serves as a teaching opportunity for those who are physically following Jesus, as well as for future readers of the Gospel. It emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, where the actions and beliefs of one can instruct and inspire many.

“Truly I tell you
The phrase "Truly I tell you" is a translation of the Greek "Ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν" (Amēn legō hymin). The word "Ἀμὴν" (Amen) is a declaration of truth and certainty, often used by Jesus to introduce a statement of great importance. It is a solemn affirmation that what follows is not only true but also authoritative. This phrase underscores the gravity of Jesus' pronouncement and invites the listeners to pay close attention to His words.

I have not found anyone in Israel
Here, Jesus makes a comparison between the faith of the centurion, a Gentile, and that of the people of Israel. The Greek word for "found" is "εὗρον" (heuron), which implies a search or discovery. This statement highlights the unexpected nature of the centurion's faith, as it surpasses that of those who were expected to have a deep understanding of God. It challenges the audience to reconsider preconceived notions about who can possess great faith.

with such great faith
The phrase "such great faith" is translated from the Greek "τοσαύτην πίστιν" (tosautēn pistin). The word "πίστιν" (pistin) means faith, trust, or belief, and "τοσαύτην" (tosautēn) emphasizes the magnitude or extent of that faith. This commendation by Jesus highlights the centurion's profound trust in Jesus' authority and power, despite being outside the traditional covenant community. It serves as an inspiration for all believers to aspire to a faith that is complete and unwavering, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who performs miracles and teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven.

2. Centurion
A Roman officer commanding a hundred soldiers, demonstrating humility and faith in Jesus' authority.

3. Israel
The nation chosen by God, representing the people among whom Jesus ministered and where He expected to find faith.

4. Followers of Jesus
The disciples and others who were present with Jesus, witnessing His teachings and miracles.

5. Capernaum
The town where this event takes place, serving as a significant location for Jesus' ministry.
Teaching Points
Faith Beyond Borders
The centurion's faith is a powerful reminder that true faith transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. We are called to recognize and celebrate faith wherever it is found.

Authority of Jesus
The centurion understood Jesus' authority, which challenges us to trust in Jesus' power over all aspects of our lives, including those beyond our control.

Humility in Faith
The centurion's approach to Jesus was marked by humility. We should approach God with a humble heart, acknowledging our unworthiness and His greatness.

Marveling at Faith
Jesus marveled at the centurion's faith. We should strive to have a faith that is remarkable and noteworthy, one that stands out in a world often characterized by doubt.

Faith in Action
The centurion's faith was not passive; it prompted him to seek Jesus actively. Our faith should lead us to action, seeking Jesus in prayer and obedience.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the centurion's understanding of authority influence his faith in Jesus, and how can we apply this understanding to our own faith journey?

2. In what ways does the centurion's faith challenge the expectations of faith within Israel, and how does this apply to our view of faith in diverse communities today?

3. How can we cultivate a faith that causes Jesus to marvel, and what practical steps can we take to strengthen our faith?

4. Compare the faith of the centurion with that of other individuals commended by Jesus in the Gospels. What common characteristics do they share?

5. How does the centurion's humility before Jesus serve as a model for our own approach to God, and what are some practical ways we can demonstrate humility in our daily lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 7:1-10
This parallel account provides additional details about the centurion's faith and humility.

Hebrews 11:1
Offers a definition of faith, which is exemplified by the centurion's trust in Jesus' authority.

Romans 10:17
Discusses how faith comes from hearing the message of Christ, relevant to the centurion's belief in Jesus' power.

Matthew 15:28
Another instance where Jesus commends great faith, this time in a Canaanite woman, showing that faith is not limited to Israel.

Acts 10:1-2
Describes another centurion, Cornelius, who also demonstrates faith and reverence for God, highlighting the theme of Gentile inclusion.
A Faith that Caused SurpriseR. Tuck Matthew 8:10
The Leper and the CenturionMarcus Dods Matthew 8:1-13
A Blessed WonderC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 8:5-10
A Soldier's FaithSibbs.Matthew 8:5-10
Christ's Healing the Centurion's ServantJ. Bennett, D. D.Matthew 8:5-10
Faith Powerful Because of the Knowledge it ImpartsCanon Liddon.Matthew 8:5-10
Faith Powerful Because of the Will-Power it EvokesCanon Liddon.Matthew 8:5-10
Faith Superior to CircumstancesT. R. Stevenson.Matthew 8:5-10
Faith Where not ExpectedMatthew 8:5-10
ManlinessA. G. Bowman, M. A., A. Peebles.Matthew 8:5-10
Marvellous FaithW. Jones.Matthew 8:5-10
Miracles of HealingH. Alford, D. D.Matthew 8:5-10
The Almighty HealerW. Jay.Matthew 8:5-10
The Centurion's Faith and HumilityW. H. Lewis.Matthew 8:5-10
The Centurion's Faith ProvedC. Girdlestone, M. A.Matthew 8:5-10
The Centurion's ServantT. R. Stevenson.Matthew 8:5-10
The Divine Word EnoughMatthew 8:5-10
The Faith of the CenturionC. Girdlestone, M. A.Matthew 8:5-10
The Greatness of FaithJ. Vaughan, M. A., T. Wood.Matthew 8:5-10
The Roman CenturionA. M. Stuart.Matthew 8:5-10
The Soldier and His SlaveJ. R. Macduff, D. D.Matthew 8:5-10
The True Disposition Required in CommunicantsJ. Puckle, M. A.Matthew 8:5-10
The Worth of HumilityR. Newton, D. D.Matthew 8:5-10
Thy Word Suffices MeC. H. Spurgeon.Matthew 8:5-10
True FaithCanon Liddon.Matthew 8:5-10
A Soldier's FaithW.F. Adeney Matthew 8:5-13
The CenturionJ.A. Macdonald Matthew 8:5-13
The Centurion's ExampleP.C. Barker Matthew 8:5-13
People
Esaias, Isaac, Isaiah, Jacob, Jesus, Peter
Places
Capernaum, Gadara, Galilee, Sea of Galilee
Topics
Anyone, Astonished, Certainly, Ears, Faith, Followed, Haven't, Israelite, Listened, Marveled, Marvelled, Reply, Solemnly, Surprised, Truly, Truth, Verily, Wonder, Wondered
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Matthew 8:10

     1461   truth, nature of
     2054   Christ, mind of
     2369   Christ, responses to
     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     5962   surprises
     8026   faith, growth in

Matthew 8:4-13

     5433   occupations

Matthew 8:5-13

     6689   mercy, of Christ
     8611   prayer, for others

Matthew 8:9-10

     2057   Christ, obedience

Matthew 8:10-11

     7950   mission, of Christ

Library
The Touch that Cleanses
'When He was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 1. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. 3. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; he thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14. THE great collection
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Healing Christ
'Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.'--MATT. viii. 17. You will remember, probably, that in our Old Testament translation of these words they are made to refer to man's mental and spiritual evils: 'He bare our griefs and carried our sorrows.' Our evangelist takes them to refer, certainly not exclusively, but in part, to men's corporeal evils--'our infirmities' (bodily weaknesses, that is) 'and our sicknesses.' He was distinctly justified in so doing, both by the meaning of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Swift Healing and Immediate Service
'And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. 15. And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose and ministered unto them.'--MATT. viii. 14-15. Other accounts give a few additional points. Mark:-- That the house was that of Peter and Andrew. That Christ went with James and John. That He was told of the sickness. That He lifted her up. Luke, physician-like, diagnoses the fever as 'great.' He also tells us that the sick woman's friends
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
'And a certain scribe came, and said unto Him, Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest. 20. And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay His head.'--MATT. viii. 19-20. Our Lord was just on the point of leaving Capernaum for the other side of the lake. His intended departure from the city, in which He had spent so long a time, and wrought so many miracles, produced precisely opposite effects on two of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Stimulating Sluggish Discipleship
'And another of His disciples said unto Him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 22. But Jesus said unto him, Follow Me; and let the dead bury their dead.'--MATT. viii. 21-22. The very first words of these verses, 'And another of His disciples,' show us that the incident recorded in them is only half of a whole. We have already considered the other half, and supplement our former remarks by a glance at the remaining portion now. The two men, whose treatment by Christ is narrated, are
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Natural World
'And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. 24. And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves; but He was asleep. 25. And His disciples came to Him, and awoke Him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. 26. And He saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27. But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man la this, that even the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Peace-Bringer in the Spiritual World
'And when He was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with Thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art Thou come hither to torment us before the time? 30. And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. 31. So the devils besought Him, saying, If Thou cast us out, suffer us to go away
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith which Christ Praises
'The centurion answered and said: Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. 9. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go! and he goeth; and to another, Come I and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this; and he doeth it.'--MATT. viii. 8-9. This miracle of the healing of the centurion's servant is the second of the great series which Matthew gives us. It is perhaps not accidental that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Cross and Crown.
At last He cried, with a loud voice: "It is finished!" Perhaps not many on earth heard it, or cared about it when they did hear it; but I can imagine there were not many in heaven who did not hear it, and if they have bells in heaven how they must have rung out that day; "It is finished! It is finished!" The Son of God had died that poor sinful man might have life eternal. I can imagine the angels walking through the streets of heaven crying: "It is finished!" and the mansions of that world ringing
Dwight L. Moody—Moody's Anecdotes And Illustrations

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 23, "And when He was Entered into a Boat," Etc.
1. By the Lord's blessing, I will address you upon the lesson of the Holy Gospel which has just been read, and take occasion thereby to exhort you, that against the tempest and waves of this world, faith sleep not in your hearts. "For the Lord Christ had not indeed death nor sleep in His power, and peradventure sleep overcame the Almighty One as He was sailing against His will?" If ye believe this, He is asleep in you; but if Christ be awake in you, your faith is awake. The Apostle saith, "that Christ
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. viii. 8, "I am not Worthy that Thou Shouldest Come under My Roof," Etc. , and of the Words Of
1. We have heard, as the Gospel was being read, the praise of our faith as manifested in humility. For when the Lord Jesus promised that He would go to the Centurion's house to heal His servant, He answered, "I am not worthy that Thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and he shall be healed." [2163] By calling himself unworthy, he showed himself worthy for Christ to come not into his house, but into his heart. Nor would he have said this with so great faith and humility, had
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

Heaven and Hell
To-night, I shall, I hope, encourage you to seek the road to heaven. I shall also have to utter some very sharp things concerning the end of the lost in the pit of hell. Upon both these subjects I will try and speak, as God helps me. But, I beseech you, as you love your souls, weigh right and wrong this night; see whether what I say be the truth of God. If it be not, reject it utterly, and cast it away; but if it is, at your peril disregard it; for, as you shall answer before God, the great Judge
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Twenty-Seventh Day. Activity in Duty.
"I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day; the night cometh, when no man can work."--John, ix. 4. How constant and unremitting was Jesus in the service of His Heavenly Father! "He rose a great while before day;" and, when His secret communion was over, His public work began. It mattered not to Him where He was: whether on the bosom of the deep, or a mountain slope--in the desert, or at a well-side--the "gracious words" ever "proceeded out of His mouth." We find, on one touching
John R. Macduff—The Mind of Jesus

Healing the Centurion's Servant.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 1, 5-13; ^C Luke VII. 1-10. ^c 1 After he had ended all his sayings in the ears of the people, ^a 1 And when he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. ^c he entered into Capernaum. [Jesus proceeded from the mountain to Capernaum, which was now his home, or headquarters. The multitudes which are now mentioned for the third time were not wearied by his sermon, and so continued to follow him. Their presence showed the popularity of Jesus, and also
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Healing Peter's Mother-In-Law and Many Others.
(at Capernaum.) ^A Matt. VIII. 14-17; ^B Mark I. 29-34; ^C Luke IV. 38-41. ^c 38 And he arose out of the synagogue [where he had just healed the demoniac], ^b 29 And straightway, when they were come out of the synagogue, they came { ^c entered} ^b into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. [Peter and Andrew had dwelt at Bethsaida (John i. 44). They may have removed to Capernaum, or Bethsaida, being near by, may be here counted as a part, or suburb, of Capernaum. Its name does not contradict
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Stills the Storm.
(Sea of Galilee; Same Day as Last Section) ^A Matt. VIII. 18-27; ^B Mark IV. 35-41; ^C Luke VIII. 22-25. ^b 35 And that day, { ^c one of those days,} ^b when the even was come [about sunset], ^a when Jesus saw great multitudes about him, he gave commandment to depart unto the other side. { ^b he saith unto them, Let us go over unto the other side.} [Wearied with a day of strenuous toil, Jesus sought rest from the multitude by passing to the thinly settled on the east side of Galilee.] ^a 19 And there
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

A Sabbath in Capernaum
It was the Holy Sabbath - the first after He had called around Him His first permanent disciples; the first, also, after His return from the Feast at Jerusalem. Of both we can trace indications in the account of that morning, noon, and evening which the Evangelists furnish. The greater detail with which St. Mark, who wrote under the influence of St. Peter, tells these events, shows the freshness and vividness of impression on the mind of Peter of those early days of his new life. As indicating that
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
We are once again in Capernaum. It is remarkable how much, connected not only with the Ministry of Jesus, but with His innermost Life, gathers around that little fishing town. In all probability its prosperity was chiefly due to the neighbouring Tiberias, which Herod Antipas [2583] had built, about ten years previously. Noteworthy is it also, how many of the most attractive characters and incidents in the Gospel-history are connected with that Capernaum, which, as a city, rejected its own real glory,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Christ Stills the Storm on the Lake of Galilee.
IT was the evening of that day of new teaching, and once more great multitudes were gathering to Him. What more, or, indeed, what else, could He have said to those to whom He had all that morning spoken in Parables, which hearing they had not heard nor understood? It was this, rather than weariness after a long day's working, which led to the resolve to pass to the other side. To merely physical weariness Jesus never subordinated his work. If, therefore, such had been the motive, the proposal to
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

At Gerasa - the Healing of the Demonised.
THAT day of wonders was not yet ended. Most writers have, indeed, suggested, that the healing of the demonised on the other side took place at early dawn of the day following the storm on the Lake. But the distance is so short that, even making allowance for the delay by the tempest, the passage could scarcely have occupied the whole night. [2899] This supposition would be further confirmed, if the evening' when Jesus embarked was what the Jews were wont to call the first evening,' that is, the time
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Essential Character of the Work of Jesus.
Jesus, it will be seen, limited his action entirely to the Jews. Although his sympathy for those despised by orthodoxy led him to admit pagans into the kingdom of God--although he had resided more than once in a pagan country, and once or twice we surprise him in kindly relations with unbelievers[1]--it may be said that his life was passed entirely in the very restricted world in which he was born. He was never heard of in Greek or Roman countries; his name appears only in profane authors of a hundred
Ernest Renan—The Life of Jesus

Christ the Son of Man.
"The foxes have holes, and the birds of the heaven have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head" (Matt. viii. 20). "Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matt. xvi. 13). "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up; that whosoever believeth may in him have eternal life" (John iii. 14). It is a matter of profound gratitude that our Saviour was a man. "The Son of man," as well as "the Son of God," was essential to His great work
Frank G. Allen—Autobiography of Frank G. Allen, Minister of the Gospel

Kingo's Church Hymns
Kingo's church hymns naturally differ from his spiritual songs. They are more objective in form and less fiery in spirit. Most of them follow their themes quite closely, reproducing in many instances even the words of their text. Kingo is too vital, however, to confine himself wholly to an objective presentation. Usually the last stanzas of his hymns are devoted to a brief and often striking application of their text. He possessed to a singular degree the ability to express a thought tersely, as
Jens Christian Aaberg—Hymns and Hymnwriters of Denmark

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