Faith That Crosses Boundaries and Amazes Jesus
Summary
In the ongoing journey through “Conversations That Change Everything,” we encounter a moment in Matthew 8 where the boundaries of culture, power, and faith are shattered. The story of the Roman centurion and Jesus is not just a tale of miraculous healing, but a profound encounter that redefines what faith looks like and who belongs in the kingdom of God. The centurion, a man of authority and status, crosses every social and religious barrier to plead for the healing of his servant—a person considered by society to be of little value. His humility and compassion are striking, but even more astonishing is his faith: he believes that Jesus’ word alone, spoken from a distance, is enough to heal.
This faith is so remarkable that it causes Jesus himself to marvel. The centurion’s understanding of authority—recognizing that Jesus’ command is absolute, just as his own orders are obeyed—demonstrates a trust that goes beyond what even the most devout in Israel have shown. Jesus responds not only by healing the servant but by declaring that many outsiders, people from “east and west,” will join the great feast in God’s kingdom, while some who presume they belong will find themselves left out. This is a radical reimagining of who is included in God’s family, and it foreshadows the global reach of the gospel.
The implications for us are clear and challenging. True faith is not about status, heritage, or outward religiosity, but about humble trust in Jesus’ authority and compassion. We are called to approach God not with entitlement, but with reverence and dependence, recognizing our own unworthiness and God’s boundless grace. Moreover, we are sent to cross boundaries ourselves, to engage in gospel conversations with those we might least expect, trusting that God’s power is not limited by our prejudices or expectations. The word of Jesus still heals, restores, and saves—and we are invited to live with a faith that surprises even him, carrying the message of hope and love into every relationship and every corner of our lives.
Key Takeaways
- Faith That Surprises Jesus
The centurion’s faith was not rooted in religious background or social status, but in a deep trust in Jesus’ authority. He believed that a word from Jesus was enough, without needing signs or physical presence. This kind of faith—confident, humble, and expectant—still moves the heart of God and challenges us to examine the depth of our own trust in Christ’s power. [16:52]
- Humility Opens the Door to Grace
Despite his position and power, the centurion approached Jesus with humility, acknowledging his own unworthiness. True spiritual growth begins when we lay aside entitlement and self-sufficiency, coming to God with reverence and dependence. God honors those who recognize their need and approach him by grace, not by merit. [16:01]
- God’s Power Crosses Every Boundary
Jesus willingly crossed cultural, ethnic, and religious lines to respond to the centurion’s plea, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of his compassion. We are called to do the same, refusing to let prejudice or assumptions limit whom we engage with the gospel. The next great act of faith may come from the most unexpected person in our lives. [26:07]
- The Word of Jesus Still Heals and Restores
The authority of Jesus’ word is not confined to the past; it continues to bring healing, restoration, and salvation today. When we speak God’s truth and promises into the lives of others, we participate in the ongoing work of Christ. Our confidence in the power of his word should shape how we pray, how we speak, and how we hope for others. [29:51]
- Live a Faith That Amazes Jesus
The challenge is not merely to believe, but to live in such a way that our faith would surprise even Jesus. This means moving beyond passive religiosity to active, bold trust—engaging in gospel conversations, serving with our gifts, and living with gratitude and expectancy. Let us not settle for safe, small faith, but pursue a life that reflects the greatness of the gift we have received. [32:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - Series Introduction: Conversations That Change Everything
[03:06] - Reading Matthew 8: The Centurion’s Story
[04:50] - Understanding the Roman Centurion
[05:58] - The Value of a Slave in Roman Society
[09:13] - Hostility Between Jews and Gentiles
[11:16] - The Centurion’s Compassion and Unlikely Request
[13:02] - Radical Humility and Faith
[15:06] - The Centurion’s Understanding of Authority
[16:52] - Jesus Marvels at Great Faith
[18:57] - The Gospel Conversation That Breaks Barriers
[20:00] - Jesus’ Prophetic Statement: Many Will Come
[21:35] - The Miracle: Healing by the Word
[22:38] - Application: Trusting Jesus’ Authority
[26:07] - Crossing Boundaries with the Gospel
[29:51] - The Power of Jesus’ Word Today
[32:30] - Living a Faith That Surprises Jesus
[36:45] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[39:56] - Honoring Faithful Service: Linda Stivers
[43:51] - Sending and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Faith That Surprises Jesus
*(Based on Matthew 8:5-13 and the sermon “Faith That Surprises Jesus”)*
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### 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.
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### Observation Questions
1. What barriers—cultural, social, or religious—did the centurion cross to approach Jesus for help? ([13:02])
2. How does the centurion describe his own authority, and how does he relate that to Jesus’ authority? ([15:06])
3. What is Jesus’ reaction to the centurion’s faith, and how does he compare it to the faith he’s seen in Israel? ([16:52])
4. According to Jesus, who will be included in the kingdom of heaven, and who will be left out? ([20:00])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the centurion’s humility so significant, considering his position and background? What does this reveal about the kind of faith that pleases God? ([16:01])
2. Jesus says that many will come from “east and west” to join the feast in God’s kingdom. What does this statement mean about who is welcome in God’s family? ([20:00])
3. The centurion believed Jesus could heal with just a word, without being physically present. What does this say about the nature of true faith and trust in Jesus’ authority? ([16:52])
4. The sermon mentions that the miracle almost seems like an “afterthought” compared to the conversation. Why might the conversation itself be the real focus of this story? ([21:35])
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### Application Questions
1. The centurion approached Jesus with humility, saying, “I am not worthy.” When you come to God in prayer, do you approach with humility or with a sense of entitlement? What would it look like to come to God with true reverence and dependence this week? ([16:01])
2. Jesus crossed cultural and religious boundaries to respond to the centurion. Is there someone in your life you’ve avoided sharing the gospel with because of assumptions or prejudice? What’s one step you could take to reach out to them? ([26:07])
3. The centurion’s faith amazed Jesus. If Jesus looked at your faith today, would he be surprised? Why or why not? What is one area where you could trust Jesus more boldly? ([32:30])
4. The sermon challenged us to not settle for “safe, small faith.” What is one risk or step of faith you sense God might be asking you to take right now? ([32:30])
5. The authority of Jesus’ word still brings healing and restoration. Is there a situation in your life, or in someone else’s, where you need to trust in the power of Jesus’ word? How can you pray or speak God’s promises into that situation this week? ([29:51])
6. The centurion cared deeply for someone society considered “of little value.” Who in your world might be overlooked or undervalued? How can you show them compassion and the love of Christ this month? ([13:02])
7. The sermon ended with a call to use our gifts for God’s glory and to carry the message of hope into every relationship. What is one practical way you can use your gifts or have a gospel conversation this week? ([35:59])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give your group faith that surprises Jesus, humility to approach him rightly, and courage to cross boundaries with the hope of the gospel. Pray for specific people or situations discussed in your group.
Devotional
Day 1: Faith That Surprises Jesus
The Roman centurion’s encounter with Jesus in Matthew 8 is a powerful reminder that true faith can come from the most unexpected places. Despite being an outsider, a Gentile, and a representative of the occupying force, the centurion approaches Jesus with humility and a deep trust in His authority. His faith is so remarkable that it causes Jesus Himself to marvel, declaring that He has not found such great faith even in Israel. This story challenges us to examine the depth and boldness of our own faith—do we trust Jesus’ word even when we cannot see the outcome? Are we willing to believe in His power and goodness beyond our expectations and cultural boundaries? The centurion’s faith was not just intellectual assent; it was a confident reliance on Jesus’ authority, and it moved the heart of God. [18:09]
Matthew 8:5-13 (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.” 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. 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: In what area of your life do you need to trust Jesus’ authority and word, even when you cannot see the outcome? What would it look like to step out in that kind of faith today?
Day 2: Humility Opens the Door to God’s Grace
The centurion, though a man of great power and status, approaches Jesus not with entitlement but with humility, declaring himself unworthy for Jesus to enter his home. This posture of humility is essential for anyone seeking God’s help and presence. It is not our achievements, titles, or social standing that move the heart of God, but a humble recognition of our need for Him. When we come before God acknowledging our brokenness and dependence, we open ourselves to His grace and transformation. Humility is the soil in which great faith grows, and it is the starting point for every genuine gospel conversation and act of obedience. [16:01]
James 4:6 (ESV)
But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Reflection: How can you intentionally approach God and others with humility today, setting aside pride or self-sufficiency in favor of honest dependence on His grace?
Day 3: The Power of Jesus Crosses Every Boundary
Jesus’ willingness to respond to the centurion’s plea and offer healing to a Gentile servant demonstrates that His compassion and power are not limited by cultural, ethnic, or religious boundaries. In a world marked by division and suspicion, Jesus models a love that reaches across every barrier. No one is too far outside the circle of God’s grace, and the church is called to embody this same boundary-breaking love. We are challenged to see people not through the lens of prejudice or assumption, but through the eyes of Christ, who welcomes all who come in faith. [26:07]
Galatians 3:28 (ESV)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Who in your life have you overlooked or written off as unlikely to respond to Jesus? How can you reach out to them with Christ’s love and compassion this week?
Day 4: The Word of Jesus Still Heals and Restores
The centurion believed that Jesus’ word alone was enough to heal his servant, and indeed, Jesus spoke and the servant was healed at that very moment. This miracle is a testament to the enduring power of Jesus’ word—not only to heal bodies, but to restore, convict, save, and transform lives. The same authority that healed the centurion’s servant is available to us today through the Scriptures and the presence of the Holy Spirit. When we speak God’s word in faith, especially in gospel conversations with those who are hurting, we participate in the ongoing work of healing and restoration that Jesus began. [29:51]
Hebrews 4:12 (ESV)
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear a word of hope or healing from Jesus today? How can you share God’s word with them in a way that points to His power to restore?
Day 5: Living a Faith That Amazes Jesus
The call to “live in such a way that surprises even Jesus” is a challenge to move beyond passive or routine Christianity into a bold, active faith that trusts God radically and loves others sacrificially. It means waking up each day with gratitude for God’s grace, using your gifts for His glory, and carrying the message of the gospel into every relationship and conversation. This kind of faith is not content with comfort or complacency; it seeks to honor God with every aspect of life and to be a vessel of His love and power in the world. [36:45]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you can take this week that would reflect a confidence in God’s power and surprise even Jesus? How will you act on it?
Quotes
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