While that was my intent when I began thinking about this passage earlier this week. I found myself constantly returning to Jesus’ reaction,

Amazing is a word which is a bit over used, particularly in the sports world. Met fans are talking about the amazing Mets. Don’t get me wrong I like the Mets, but I don’t find anything amazing about the way the are playing. They should be playing this well. They have spent millions of dollars to bring in some of the finest ball players. The same goes with the Yankees. Last year they broke a major league record for wins in a season. With the players they have on that team this should not have come as a surprise or seen as a big deal. These two teams success does not fit the definition of amaze. Amaze means to bewilder, to surprise, to fill with wonder.

This morning’s scripture story is an amazing story.

Lets take a look at this amazing story and exactly what it was that amazed Jesus.

First, a Roman centurion to even care about his slave, was amazing. Slaves were possessions in those days. The only value a slave had was found in the work he or she performed. When a slave became ill or unable to perform his or her work, they were cast out into the street to fend for themselves.

The second amazing fact is the Centurion’s respect for the Jewish religion as well as his close bond of friendship. This is evident in that when he asked Jewish elders to intercede on his behalf to Jesus and they did not hesitate. The fact that they would go to Jesus was amazing. The fact that they would go because a Roman Centurion asked them to was just as amazing. They were following orders, they were going to Jesus on behalf of the centurion because of their bond of friendship. They went to Jesus and begged him to come with them. Luke described the centurion relationship with the Jews as follows,

"He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue."

Seldom did a Roman love a Jew, it was more often or not an issue of tolerance. A Jew would be lucky to get the time of day from a Roman.

Later on in the story we see further evidence of the Centurion’s love and respect for the Jews, when he said to Jesus,

"Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof."

The Centurion spoke these words not only out of humility, but in respect of the Jewish law which forbid Jews to enter the house of a Gentile.

The third amazing point can be found in the Centurion’s request to his Jewish friends to go to Jesus. Why would a non believing Roman send some people to go to Jesus? Well maybe for the very same reason some other people turn to religion when life is a crisis. He was desperate. He had tried everything else and Jesus was the last resort. He thought what the heck he has nothing to lose.

While all of these reasons may be why some people turn to Jesus, they are not the centurion’s reason. He obviously believed Jesus was sent by God. His faith was simple but not simplistic. He recognized God’s own power in Jesus. He understood that all authority comes from God. His believe in the power and authority of God was so amazing, that he believed Jesus could heal his servant, by just simply saying the word. He didn’t feel Jesus had to touch him or anoint him with anything,

"But only speak the word and let my servant be healed."

is what he said to Jesus.

"When Jesus heard this He was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed Him, He said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’"

Let me ask you, has your faith ever amazed Jesus?

May this passage challenge you to consider your relationship with God.

Do you truly trust God, that God will work for good in all situations?

Do you truly love God, with all you heart, soul, mind and strength?

Do you truly use God’s Word to make decisions?

May you amaze God with your faith. You will be amazed how good you will feel.

AMEN