JESUS’ AMAZEMENT AT FAITH OR LACK OF FAITH
Throughout the Gospels, there are noteworthy instances where Jesus expressed amazement at the responses of others. These moments are significant as they highlight the extraordinary faith of certain individuals and the profound lack of faith in others. Examining these accounts provides valuable insights into the nature of faith and belief, serving as a poignant reminder for us as Christians today.
The Centurion’s Faith
One striking example of Jesus’ amazement is found in the account of the centurion who sought Jesus’ help to heal his servant. The centurion, a Roman officer, demonstrated an incredible level of faith by believing in Jesus’ healing power without needing His physical presence. He said, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed” (Mt 8:8). Jesus’ reaction to this faith is recorded in Matthew 8:10: “When Jesus heard it, he marveled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” This incident underscores the power of genuine faith and the recognition of Jesus’ divine authority, even by those outside the Jewish community.
The Rejection at Nazareth
In stark contrast to the centurion’s faith is the reaction of Jesus’ own townspeople in Nazareth. When Jesus preached in the synagogue there, the people were initially astonished at His wisdom and miracles but quickly became skeptical and offended because they knew Him and His family. Instead of seeing Him as the Messiah, they saw Him merely as the carpenter’s son. Mark records Jesus’ reaction to their disbelief: “And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mk 6:6). This narrative illustrates the tragic reality that familiarity can breed contempt, and how preconceived notions can hinder one’s ability to recognize and accept divine truth.
The Faith of the Syrophoenician Woman
Another remarkable instance of faith that amazed Jesus is found in the encounter with the Syrophoenician woman. This Greek woman approached Jesus in Tyre, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter’s healing. Jesus tested her persistence and humility by saying, “Let the children be filled first: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs” (Mk 7:27). Her response demonstrated profound faith and humility: “And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs” (Mk 7:28). Though Mark does not explicitly state that Jesus was “amazed,” His reaction clearly shows His deep appreciation for her faith. He commended her and granted her request, healing her daughter (Mk 7:29-30).
REFLECTION
Reflecting on these instances of Jesus’ amazement, we, as Christians, are reminded of the importance of faith and humility. The centurion’s faith teaches us to trust in Jesus’ authority and power, even when we cannot see immediate evidence. The rejection at Nazareth warns us against letting familiarity and preconceived notions hinder our faith. The Syrophoenician woman’s story encourages us to approach Jesus with humility and persistence, recognizing our own unworthiness but trusting in His mercy and grace.
These narratives challenge us to examine our own faith. Are we like the centurion, who believed in Jesus’ power without needing physical proof? Or are we more like the people of Nazareth, skeptical and dismissive because of our familiarity with the stories of Jesus? Do we have the humility and persistence of the Syrophoenician woman, who, despite being an outsider, recognized Jesus’ divinity and pleaded for His mercy?
Let us strive to cultivate a faith that amazes Jesus, a faith that is genuine, humble, and persistent. In doing so, we not only honor God but also open ourselves to the fullness of His blessings and power in our lives. As the Apostle Paul exhorts: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).