Faith That Amazes: Trusting Jesus Beyond Familiarity

In reflecting on the stories of faith found in Matthew 8 and Mark 6, we see two strikingly different responses to Jesus. The Roman centurion, a Gentile with little background in the Jewish faith, approached Jesus with a humble yet bold confidence. He recognized Jesus’ authority, believing that a simple word from Him could heal his servant. This faith so moved Jesus that He marveled—one of only two times in the Gospels where Jesus is described as being amazed by someone’s faith. The centurion’s trust was not based on religious knowledge or tradition, but on a deep conviction that Jesus was who He claimed to be and had power over all things.

In contrast, the people of Jesus’ own hometown, who had grown up with Him and were steeped in the Scriptures, could not bring themselves to believe. Their familiarity bred contempt, and their lack of faith astonished Jesus just as much as the centurion’s belief did—but for the opposite reason. Despite their knowledge and religious upbringing, they missed the very Messiah they had been waiting for.

Peter’s story in Matthew 14 further illustrates the nature of faith. He stepped out of the boat and walked on water, doing the impossible as long as his eyes were fixed on Jesus. But when he focused on the wind and waves, fear overtook him and he began to sink. Jesus’ question to Peter—“Why did you doubt?”—reminds us that faith is not a one-time act, but a continual choice to trust, especially when circumstances are overwhelming.

These stories challenge us to examine our own faith. Is it a faith that amazes Jesus, or one that disappoints Him? Do we approach Him with the confidence of the centurion, or do we let familiarity and doubt hold us back like those in Nazareth? The call is to fix our eyes on Jesus, trust His authority, and believe that nothing is impossible for Him. Even as we ask for greater faith, we must be prepared for it to be tested, knowing that God uses these tests to deepen our trust and reliance on Him. There is so much more that God desires to do in us, through us, and in our communities—if only we will believe.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True faith is not measured by religious background or knowledge, but by a humble trust in Jesus’ authority. The centurion’s example shows that even those with little exposure to the faith can possess a belief that moves the heart of God. What matters most is recognizing who Jesus is and trusting Him to act. [04:29]
• 2. Familiarity with Jesus and the Scriptures can sometimes breed complacency or even unbelief. The people of Nazareth missed the miracle in their midst because they could not see beyond their own assumptions. We must guard against letting routine or tradition dull our sense of wonder and expectation in God. [14:32]
• 3. Faith is dynamic and often tested in the storms of life. Like Peter, we may step out in faith only to falter when we focus on our circumstances instead of Christ. The invitation is to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, trusting Him even when the winds and waves threaten to overwhelm us. [20:13]
• 4. God desires to do more in and through us than we can imagine, but He is looking for those whose faith amazes Him. It is not about having perfect faith, but about a willingness to believe and trust God for both the little and the great things in our lives, our families, and our communities. [33:38]
• 5. Asking God for greater faith is a bold prayer, but we must be ready for our faith to be tested. God often increases our faith by allowing us to walk through challenges that require us to trust Him more deeply. These tests are opportunities for growth, and through them, our faith can become something that truly moves the heart of Jesus. [37:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:05] - Introducing Two Stories of Faith
• [02:57] - The Centurion’s Humble Approach
• [03:37] - Jesus Marvels at Great Faith
• [07:15] - The Rarity of Jesus’ Amazement
• [08:56] - The Centurion’s Understanding of Authority
• [10:52] - The Unbelief in Nazareth
• [14:32] - Jesus Amazed by Unbelief
• [17:40] - Peter Walks on Water
• [20:13] - The Test of Faith in the Storm
• [23:22] - The Power and Necessity of Faith
• [25:37] - Examining Our Own Faith
• [28:58] - The Possibility of “Mega Faith”
• [31:21] - Trusting God When We Cannot See
• [33:38] - God’s Greater Purposes for Us
• [35:39] - Asking for Greater Faith and Facing Tests
• [39:34] - Closing and Prayer

1. In Matthew 8:5-13, what stands out about the way the centurion approaches Jesus and what he believes about Jesus’ authority?
2. According to Mark 6:2-6, how do the people of Jesus’ hometown respond to Him, and what is Jesus’ reaction to their response?
3. In Matthew 14:22-33, what happens when Peter steps out of the boat, and what changes when he takes his eyes off Jesus?
4. The sermon mentions that Jesus was “amazed” only twice in the Gospels—once by great faith and once by unbelief. What are the two situations, and what made them so different? [[07:15]]

1. Why do you think the centurion, who was not raised in the Jewish faith, was able to have such strong faith in Jesus’ authority? What does this say about the nature of faith? [[04:29]]
2. The people of Nazareth knew Jesus well and were familiar with the Scriptures, yet they struggled to believe. How can familiarity with Jesus or church sometimes make it harder to have real faith? [[14:32]]
3. Peter was able to walk on water as long as he focused on Jesus, but he began to sink when he noticed the wind and waves. What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and our focus during difficult times? [[20:13]]
4. The sermon asks, “What does Jesus think of my faith? Is he amazed by my great faith, or by my lack of faith?” How can someone honestly evaluate their own faith in light of these stories? [[25:37]]

1. The centurion’s faith was not based on religious background or knowledge, but on a humble trust in Jesus’ authority. Are there areas in your life where you need to trust Jesus more, even if you don’t have all the answers? What would it look like to approach Jesus with the same confidence as the centurion? [[04:29]]
2. The people of Nazareth missed out on what Jesus wanted to do because they were too familiar with Him. Is there any area in your spiritual life where routine or tradition has dulled your sense of expectation or wonder? How can you guard against this? [[14:32]]
3. Like Peter, have you ever started out in faith but then got distracted or overwhelmed by your circumstances? What are some practical ways you can keep your eyes fixed on Jesus when life gets stormy? [[20:13]]
4. The sermon says God wants to do more in and through us, but He is looking for faith that amazes Him. What is one “impossible” thing you feel God might be calling you to trust Him for in your life, family, or community? [[33:38]]
5. The pastor mentioned that asking for greater faith is a bold prayer, but it often leads to our faith being tested. Can you share a time when your faith was tested? How did that experience grow or challenge your trust in God? [[37:36]]
6. The sermon challenges us to examine whether our faith is more like the centurion’s or the people of Nazareth. Which one do you relate to more right now, and why? What is one step you can take this week to move toward a faith that amazes Jesus? [[25:37]]
7. The Word says, “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” What is one way you can intentionally grow your faith this month—through Scripture, prayer, or another practice? [[35:39]]