The Questions Jesus Asked About Faith

In all of scripture there are many times when the people were amazed…but there are just two instances where Jesus marveled or was amazed. The first is found in our text this morning. Luke described an incident that demonstrated the kind of faith that Jesus commended.

Watch the full Sunday service and message by Pastor Dennis Jacobson below.

SERMON TEXT

Luke 7:1-10 (ESV)

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. For I too am a man set 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 these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Mark 6:1-6 (ESV)

Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village.

SERMON NOTES

Questions

• Is having doubts a sign of a lack of faith?
• Is it wrong to doubt my faith?

Commendable faith is

• Loving
• Generous
• Humble
• Trusting
• Validating

4 steps toward greater faith

1. Decide to believe
2. Go where faith is
3. Clarify the object of your faith
4. Risk something

As Jesus looks at you, does he marvel at your faith? Or does he marvel at your unbelief?

We are meant to soar… so don’t waddle