[The message from the Roman officer to Jesus included,] "I am not even worthy to come and meet you. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed..."
When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!"
—Luke 7:7, 9 NLT
Jesus loved to shock those who heard him into listening and sometimes did so by making outsiders the heroes of his stories and actions. Like the stories of the "Good Samaritan," [1] Zacchaeus, [2] the widow of Zarephath, [3] and Naaman the Syrian, [4] the Roman officer is the hero in these events. [5] Jesus wanted the people to see the importance of faith that trusts in his authority to act redemptively and bring salvation. For those of us who have been Christians awhile, new Christians — especially those who have come from outside our social circle and our range of experience — have much to teach us about the joy of salvation. The freshness of their faith, the new-found joy of knowing Jesus, and overcoming the challenges they face in living for Jesus can renew our faith and expand our joy as we try to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Rather than trying to find problems in their new walk with Jesus, let's look for ways they are positive examples for other believers.
[1] Luke 10:30-37.
[2] Luke 19:1-10.
[3] Luke 4:24-26.
[4] Luke 4:27-30.
[5] Luke 7:2-10.
Father, thank you for your children who are new in your spiritual family and who display that new and fresh joy of being your child. Please use those who have been Christians longer to encourage these newer Christians in their walk with Jesus, and use the newer Christians as powerful examples of faith and trust for those who have been Christians longer than they have. Help each of us to see our deep need to love and appreciate each other. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, "I tell you, I haven't seen faith like this in all Israel!"
—Luke 7:7, 9 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus loved to shock those who heard him into listening and sometimes did so by making outsiders the heroes of his stories and actions. Like the stories of the "Good Samaritan," [1] Zacchaeus, [2] the widow of Zarephath, [3] and Naaman the Syrian, [4] the Roman officer is the hero in these events. [5] Jesus wanted the people to see the importance of faith that trusts in his authority to act redemptively and bring salvation. For those of us who have been Christians awhile, new Christians — especially those who have come from outside our social circle and our range of experience — have much to teach us about the joy of salvation. The freshness of their faith, the new-found joy of knowing Jesus, and overcoming the challenges they face in living for Jesus can renew our faith and expand our joy as we try to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. Rather than trying to find problems in their new walk with Jesus, let's look for ways they are positive examples for other believers.
[1] Luke 10:30-37.
[2] Luke 19:1-10.
[3] Luke 4:24-26.
[4] Luke 4:27-30.
[5] Luke 7:2-10.
Today's Prayer
Father, thank you for your children who are new in your spiritual family and who display that new and fresh joy of being your child. Please use those who have been Christians longer to encourage these newer Christians in their walk with Jesus, and use the newer Christians as powerful examples of faith and trust for those who have been Christians longer than they have. Help each of us to see our deep need to love and appreciate each other. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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