Do you ever find yourself thinking that “great faith” is reserved for the “spiritual elite” and reserved for the apostles of old, or life-long foreign-field missionaries, and those in pastoral leadership? Similarly, does the thought of “faithful saints” praying in “life-changing-ways” feel out of reach for “normal” Christians like me and you? The temptation to think along these lines makes Jesus’ words so remarkable as He calls out the faith of the Roman soldier pleading with Him to heal his servant.
The person whose faith Jesus was calling out was not an apostle or even a Jew. As a gentile, he would not have been the type of person likely to be thought of as an example of “such faith”. Faith is not determined by earthly position or status. Faith is looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2), enabled by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3), grounded in the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
When we place our faith in Jesus for salvation, we do so believing He is able to save us. Much like the Roman soldier called out to Jesus, believing He could save his servant, we can call out to Jesus, believing He can save us…And that faith leads to a relationship of trust knowing that Jesus will care for all our needs.
Like the centurion, we are able to bring our needs to Jesus knowing He has the power to meet our needs in ways beyond our abilities or understanding. Knowing that goes beyond cognitive understanding and instead moves to our inmost being where we truly believe and are transformed by that faith. As Paul exhorts us not to be anxious, “…but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6). Our God is able “…to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20).
Written by: Warren Hastings, Elder
Based on: Matthew 8:5–13
Passion Week Devotional 2026: Day Three