Last week, during our 70th anniversary celebration, we were treated to a series of lessons on “Why We Believe What We Believe.” David Powell did an excellent job in presenting the truth about the Bible, the church, worship and God’s love using only the Bible. This series was designed to introduce our beliefs to visitors and to strengthen our faith.
Do you know that Jesus marveled at, or was amazed by, people because of their belief or lack thereof?
Mark 6 records Jesus visiting his home country. On the Sabbath, He taught in the synagogue. His friends and neighbors were astonished at His teachings. They wondered where He got His wisdom. After all, wasn’t He the carpenter, the Son of Mary? They were offended by Him. Jesus said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country, among his own relatives, and in his own house.” Verse 6 states, “He marveled because of their unbelief.”
His family and friends were unable to comprehend or accept how this man could have grown up in front of them and have this wisdom. This did not make sense to them. This is common even today. Many do not believe Jesus because He and His teachings do not make sense to them and their human wisdom.
The other incident, found in Matthew 8, was the healing of the centurion’s servant. The centurion understood authority and that Jesus did not have to physically come to heal the servant. Verse 10 states, “When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “’Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”’ Jesus went on to tell his disciples that Gentiles like the centurion would be saved, but it is unlikely they understood Him.
So, the question for us today is, how strong is our faith? Does our faith amaze Jesus? If so, how?