When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. I tell you, many will come from east and west and recline at table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven...”
Matthew 8:10-11
Jesus was truly amazed at the faith found in a Roman centurion who begged Him to heal his servant by just saying the word. This gentile knew and respected Jewish custom. He asked Jesus NOT to come into his home (which would have made a Jew ceremonially unclean) and instead with authority to command his servant to be healed. This faith and respect grabbed the attention of Jesus.
Jesus not only healed the paralyzed servant, but also took the opportunity to roll out an essential gospel impact He was making as He spoke in conversation about this incident with His disciples. He told them that His kingdom would see gentiles celebrating as the “people of God” in the kingdom of heaven, right alongside the patriarchs of Judaism, even as Jews who rejected the Messiah would suffer for their lack of faith and rejection (Matthew 8:12).
This God-fearing centurion brought to the forefront the central truth that makes citizens of God’s kingdom: belief in Jesus alone as Savior and Lord. This centurion had a faith that would seat Him at God’s table. And that same powerful gospel message will indeed make kingdom citizens today! It is all centered on Jesus Christ. Those who put all their trust in Him will find their seats at the joyous kingdom feast!
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