Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Here is a gentile believer whom Jesus applauds as having “great faith” while a few verses later He reprimands His own disciples for having “little faith” (8:26).  What accounts for the difference? 

I wonder if it has to do with what we touched on yesterday…their individual recognition and belief in Jesus’ authority.  The words of the centurion confirmed his recognition of Jesus’ authority.  “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.  But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me.  I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes.  I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” (8:8-9).

The disciples, on the other hand, did not appear to recognize Jesus’ authority, at least not during that storm on the sea.  And when Jesus finally demonstrated His authority by instantly calming the storm, they were freaked out.  “What kind of man is this?  Even the winds and the waves obey him! (8:27).

What kind of man is this?  How about God Incarnate?!