THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION

Matthew 8:1-17
Key Verses: 8:10-11

   "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to
    those following him,  I tell you the truth, I have not
    found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to
    you that many will come from the east and the west,
    and will take their places at the feast with Abraham,
    Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.'"


1. Read v. 1-4.  Why did the crowds follow Jesus? Which one of them
   came to Jesus? What did he believe? Why might he expect to be
   rejected? What can we learn from him?

2. Why did Jesus first touch the man?  What did this touch mean to him?
   To Jesus? What does it mean that Jesus is willing? How else did
   Jesus help him? What can we learn here?

3. Read v. 5-13. What does the centurion's concern for his servant show
   about him? What was his attitude toward Jesus? In what ways was he
   unusual as a Roman soldier?

4. Why didn't he want Jesus to come to his house? What was his attitude
   toward the word of Jesus? Why?  Why was Jesus so pleased with his
   faith?  What was Jesus' sorrow?  How did Jesus help him?  How can we
   have a faith that pleases Jesus?

5. Read v. 14-17.  What kind of people did Jesus help?  How did he help
   them?  What can we learn from Isaiah 53:4 about Jesus' Messiahship?
   What does it mean to you that Jesus "took up our infirmities"?