Faith and Humility: Trusting Jesus in Our Need
Summary
In Matthew 8:5-13, we encounter the story of the centurion—a Roman soldier, an outsider to the Jewish community—who comes to Jesus with a desperate plea for his paralyzed servant. This passage invites us to reflect on the posture with which we approach Jesus. The centurion, despite his authority and status, recognizes his own inability to help his servant and humbly seeks Jesus’ intervention. He not only acknowledges his need but also demonstrates remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority, believing that a mere word from Jesus is enough to bring healing.
This dual posture—coming to Jesus in need and in trust—challenges us to examine our own hearts. Too often, we try to handle life’s challenges on our own, relying on our strength, competence, or control. We may even carry this attitude into our spiritual lives, forgetting that the very foundation of our faith is our need for a Savior. The centurion’s humility stands in stark contrast to our tendency toward self-sufficiency or, on the other hand, despair. He neither pretends to have it all together nor gives in to hopelessness; instead, he brings his need to Jesus and trusts in His power.
Jesus’ response to the centurion is striking. He marvels at the centurion’s faith, declaring it greater than any He has found in Israel. This faith is not rooted in religious background or status but in a deep recognition of Jesus’ authority and a willingness to trust Him completely. Jesus’ willingness to cross cultural and social boundaries to respond to the centurion’s plea reveals the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom—a kingdom open to all who come in need and trust.
We are reminded that our relationship with Jesus is not a one-time transaction but a continual journey of dependence and faith. Whether we are facing uncertainty in our jobs, family struggles, or personal anxieties, we are invited to lay down our pride and self-reliance, to come to Jesus with our needs, and to trust that He holds all things in His hands. Even after we have believed, we never outgrow our need for Jesus. He is the one who sustains, heals, and gives life.
Key Takeaways
- True humility before God means recognizing our ongoing need for Him, not just at the moment of salvation but throughout every season of life. The centurion’s willingness to admit his helplessness is a model for us, challenging our pride and self-sufficiency. We are called to lay down our illusions of control and come to Jesus with open hands and honest hearts. [33:20]
- Trusting Jesus involves more than believing He can help; it means surrendering our expectations and outcomes to His authority. The centurion’s faith was not in a particular method or result, but in Jesus’ word and power. This kind of trust is rooted in the conviction that Jesus is sovereign over every circumstance, even when His answers look different from what we hope. [42:21]
- The kingdom of God breaks through cultural, social, and personal barriers. Jesus’ willingness to enter the centurion’s home demonstrates that God’s grace is not limited by our backgrounds or status. We are invited to approach God not on the basis of our worthiness, but on the basis of His mercy and invitation. [31:05]
- Our struggles with self-reliance often mask a deeper spiritual pride. Whether we try to push through difficulties on our own or give in to despair, both responses reveal a lack of dependence on God. The invitation is to bring our anxieties, weaknesses, and failures to Jesus, trusting that He meets us in our need and is sufficient for us. [38:55]
- Faith is not a one-time act but a continual posture of coming to Jesus in need and trust. Even after we have believed, we are prone to forget our dependence on Him and attempt to live in our own strength. The call is to daily surrender, asking God to reveal areas where we are holding back and to help us trust Him more deeply. [49:04]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[21:15] - Reading Matthew 8:5-13
[25:04] - The Hospital Analogy: Need and Trust
[26:54] - Jesus’ Authority and the Kingdom of God
[29:12] - The Centurion: An Outsider’s Approach
[31:05] - Coming to Jesus in Need
[33:20] - Humility and Laying Down Pride
[35:08] - The Struggle with Asking for Help
[37:10] - Self-Reliance and Spiritual Pride
[38:55] - Bringing Our Need to Jesus
[40:45] - Trusting in Jesus’ Authority
[42:21] - Jesus Marvels at Faith
[44:06] - God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives
[45:44] - Trusting God with Outcomes
[47:32] - The Gospel Invitation
[49:04] - Ongoing Need for Jesus
[51:00] - Surrendering Control
[52:19] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Centurion’s Faith – Coming to Jesus in Need and Trust
*(Based on Matthew 8:5-13 and the sermon summary above)*
---
### Bible Reading
Matthew 8:5-13 (ESV)
5 When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him,
6 “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.”
7 And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
8 But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed.
9 For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10 When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.
11 I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,
12 while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
13 And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
---
### Observation Questions
1. What do we learn about the centurion’s attitude and approach when he comes to Jesus for help?
*(see [31:05])*
2. How does Jesus respond to the centurion’s request and faith? What is surprising about his reaction?
*(see [42:21])*
3. What cultural or social barriers are present in this story, and how does Jesus address them?
*(see [31:05])*
4. According to the passage, what does the centurion believe about Jesus’ authority?
*(see [40:45])*
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The centurion admits he is “not worthy” to have Jesus come under his roof. What does this reveal about his understanding of himself and of Jesus?
*(see [33:20])*
2. Jesus says he has not found such faith in all of Israel. Why is the centurion’s faith so remarkable, especially compared to others Jesus has met?
*(see [42:21])*
3. The sermon mentions that the centurion neither pretends to have it all together nor gives in to hopelessness. What does this balanced posture look like in real life?
*(see [38:55])*
4. Jesus’ willingness to help the centurion, a Gentile and outsider, shows something about God’s kingdom. What does this teach us about who is welcome in God’s family?
*(see [31:05])*
---
### Application Questions
1. The centurion comes to Jesus openly in need, not hiding his weakness. Is there an area in your life right now where you are trying to handle things on your own instead of bringing your need to Jesus? What would it look like to come to him honestly this week?
*(see [33:20])*
2. The sermon talks about our struggle with self-reliance and pride, even after we become Christians. Can you think of a recent situation where you tried to “push through” on your own strength? What stopped you from asking for help—from God or others?
*(see [35:08])*
3. The centurion trusted Jesus’ authority and surrendered the outcome to him. Is there something in your life where you need to let go of control and trust Jesus with the results, even if it doesn’t turn out the way you hope?
*(see [45:44])*
4. Jesus crossed cultural and social boundaries to respond to the centurion. Are there people in your life or community you tend to overlook or avoid? How might God be inviting you to extend grace or welcome to someone different from you?
*(see [31:05])*
5. The sermon says faith is not a one-time act but a continual posture. What is one practical way you can remind yourself daily of your need for Jesus and your trust in him?
*(see [49:04])*
6. When you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or hopeless, what is your usual response? How could you practice bringing those feelings to Jesus instead of trying to fix them yourself or giving up?
*(see [38:55])*
7. The pastor shared about asking God to reveal areas where we are holding back. Take a moment to reflect: Is there a specific area where you sense God is asking you to surrender or trust him more deeply? What step could you take this week?
*(see [51:00])*
---
Closing Prayer:
Invite the group to spend a few moments in silent prayer, asking God to show them where they need to come to him in need and trust, and to help them lay down pride and self-reliance.
Devotional
Day 1: Come to Jesus in Need
The centurion in Matthew 8 comes to Jesus not with pride or self-sufficiency, but with a deep awareness of his own inability to help his suffering servant. He recognizes his own limits and humbly appeals to Jesus, acknowledging that he cannot fix the situation on his own. This posture of need is essential for us as well; we are invited to lay down our pride, our desire for control, and our attempts to appear strong, and instead come to Jesus honestly, admitting our weakness and our desperate need for His help. When we come to Jesus in need, we open ourselves to His grace and power, trusting that He welcomes us even in our brokenness. [33:20]
Matthew 8:5-7 (ESV)
When he had entered Capernaum, a centurion came forward to him, appealing to him, “Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, suffering terribly.” And he said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been trying to handle things on your own instead of bringing your need honestly to Jesus? Will you take a moment today to come to Him in humility and ask for His help?
Day 2: Trust in Jesus’ Authority
The centurion not only comes to Jesus in need, but also with remarkable trust in Jesus’ authority. He understands authority from his own experience as a commander and recognizes that Jesus’ word alone is enough to heal. This faith amazes Jesus, who points out that such trust is rare even among God’s people. We are reminded that Jesus has authority over all things—sickness, circumstances, and even the chaos of our world. Nothing is outside His control, and we can find comfort and confidence in trusting Him, even when we do not see immediate results or understand His ways. [42:21]
Matthew 8:8-10 (ESV)
But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.”
Reflection: Where in your life do you struggle to trust that Jesus is truly in control? What would it look like to surrender that area to His authority today?
Day 3: The Kingdom of God Welcomes Outsiders
Jesus’ willingness to go to the centurion’s house, a Gentile and outsider, demonstrates that the kingdom of God is open to all, not just those who seem to belong or fit in. Jesus breaks through cultural and religious barriers, showing that God’s love and invitation extend beyond boundaries. The centurion’s faith is a powerful reminder that God welcomes those who come to Him, regardless of background or status. We are called to embrace this same openness, both in how we approach God and how we welcome others into our community. [31:05]
Matthew 8:11-13 (ESV)
I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven, while the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And to the centurion Jesus said, “Go; let it be done for you as you have believed.” And the servant was healed at that very moment.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life or community whom you have considered an outsider? How can you extend the welcome of God’s kingdom to them this week?
Day 4: We Never Graduate from Needing Jesus
It is easy to think that once we have come to faith in Jesus, we should be able to handle life on our own. Yet, the truth is that we never outgrow our need for Jesus. Whether we are facing new challenges, ongoing struggles, or simply the pressures of daily life, we are continually invited to come to Him in need and trust. Jesus is the one who sustains us, gives us life, and carries us through every season. We are called to let go of the pressure to be perfect or self-sufficient and to embrace a lifelong dependence on Him. [49:04]
John 15:5 (ESV)
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Reflection: In what ways have you been living as if you no longer need Jesus’ help? What is one practical way you can remind yourself of your dependence on Him today?
Day 5: Give Your Worries and Control to God
When anxiety, worry, or stress arise, our natural response is often to try harder or to give in to despair. Instead, we are invited to bring our racing thoughts, our fears, and our burdens to God, honestly telling Him, “I need you right now.” This act of surrender is not weakness, but faith—trusting that God cares for us and is able to handle what we cannot. As we give our worries and our desire for control to Him, we experience His peace and presence in the midst of our struggles. [52:19]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, 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.
Reflection: What specific worry or anxious thought can you give to God in prayer right now, trusting Him to handle it and to give you His peace?
Quotes
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