Whose faith amazed Jesus?

A Roman soldier’s. In Matthew 8:5-13, a Gentile centurion shows greater faith than anyone in Israel, and Jesus marvels. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt explains what real faith looks like.

A Roman officer came to Jesus on behalf of his paralyzed servant. He did not ask Jesus to come to his house — he simply said, “Speak a word, and my servant will be healed.” As a man under authority who commanded soldiers, he recognized Jesus’ authority over sickness itself. Jesus marveled and said He had not found such great faith even in Israel. Dr. Holt notes the warning that follows: many outsiders will feast in the kingdom while some who assumed they belonged are shut out. Lineage does not save; faith does.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why did Jesus marvel at the centurion’s faith? Because this Gentile soldier trusted Jesus’ word alone, without needing to see a sign. His simple confidence stood out above all Israel.

2. What was unusual about the centurion’s request? He told Jesus there was no need to come to his home; a word would be enough. He understood that Jesus’ authority was greater than any distance.

3. What warning did Jesus give? He warned that many outsiders would share in the kingdom while some who presumed on their heritage would be left out. Faith, not background, is what saves.

“Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” — Matthew 8:10 (NKJV)

Speaker: Dr. Toby Holt is the President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, a Reformed seminary in Colorado Springs. He is known for clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio.

Listen and go deeper: This sermon is part of the Matthew Explained study from New Geneva Theological Seminary. Find more verse-by-verse teaching across the Bible at newgeneva.org. To support this teaching ministry, visit newgeneva.org/give.