Day 280 – Matthew 8, Mark 2

Talking Points

• When Jesus finished His teachings on the mountain, the crowds, amazed, followed Him. Hearing His words of life leaves you longing for more.
• The Roman centurion seeking Jesus’ help recognizes both Jesus’ power and His position — Jesus is Lord. He knew Jesus ruled over the physical and spiritual realms at the same time and that He not only had the power to save, but the authority to do it as well.
• As the accounts of Jesus’ miraculous feats are piling up, a profound realization can be made: He truly is no respecter of persons. Outcasts and unclean, disciples and sinners, Pharisees and scribes, Gentiles and Jews, women and men, young and old, slave and free, near and far — Jesus loves all.
• Jesus came to fulfill the prophecies of the Messiah, and everything He does — every miracle and every word is a testimony to who He is and a witness to the faithfulness and power of our God.
• The four loyal (and resourceful) friends of the paralyzed man show us hearts which should be found in all those who’ve truly encountered Christ — hearts which possess a deep longing for others to find what they have found! How can we have such peace and joy as afforded by our Savior and not burn for others to have it as well? Suddenly, an excited crowd and the tiles of a roof become small obstacles to the reward to be found.

Thoughts

Has God ever left you marveling? Wondering at His greatness, genius, kindness, faithfulness, mercy, or love? Admiring His grace, gentleness, power, humility, and compassion?

In the account of the Roman centurion, after his confession that all Jesus had to do was say the word and his servant would be healed, God’s Word records for us that Jesus marveled. He wondered at his faith. Admired the level of trust the man was placing in Him and the power of His Word. Think about that for a second. What if you could actually bring the Son of God to marvel at your faith?

In Hebrews 11:6, we learn that “without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” The verse before explains that it is by faith that we can be commended as one who does please Him. What if our faith was our testimony? Isn’t He worthy of that?

Oh, to please the Author of faith, by believing and trusting Him with all of our being! Oh, to leave Him wondering at the extent and sincerity of our faith! God, help us trust You more!