Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 8Sample

Luke chapter 7 records one of only two events where Jesus is astounded by someone’s faith. Upon arriving at Capernaum, Jesus hears of a Centurion whose servant is sick. We read how Jewish elders plead with Jesus to heal this man’s servant. Jesus agrees. But before He arrives, Jesus receives another message from the Centurion where he says to Jesus that he is a man that understands authority. He knows that Jesus does not even have to be present in his home in order to heal his servant.

And upon hearing this Jesus turns to the crowd and commends the Centurion. This story ends with the servant being healed without Jesus even being present. He just said the word and the servant is well.

You see, we are easily fooled into thinking that our good works will somehow impress God. That our good works will bring us closer to God somehow. But when we read our Scripture passage, we can see that all Jesus is looking for, is faith. Good works are not bad. We were created for them. But what captures the attention, what captures the heart of our Father – is faith. Faith like a child. Simple belief. That is what God wants.