October 11, 2017. Matthew 8: 1-13, Luke 7.

 

Faith is the foundation of the Christian walk.  To become a Christ-follower you have to believe and receive.  These two passages showcase some amazing accounts of faith.  The first, a leper who comes to Jesus and says, “Lord if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus touches the leper and he is made clean.

The second being a centurion whose servant is sick.  He comes to Jesus;

7 Jesus said to him, “Shall I come and heal him?”

8 The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (Matthew 8:7-8)

This man knew the power of Jesus.  He knew with just a word Jesus could heal, and He did.

The next was a woman who’s reputation was that of being a sinful woman.  She finds Jesus at a dinner and begins to wash His feet and weep.  The Pharisees obviously had a problem with Jesus letting such a woman be near Him. His reply was a parable:

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. (Luke 7:41-43)

Because this woman knew she was a sinner in need of a savior, she was unashamed of coming to Jesus and just trying to be in His presence.  Jesus said to her:

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)

So you may not be a leper or the town “sinner”, but you can learn from them in dealing with your own own struggles and hardships.  Jesus has paid your debt.  Bring your worries and your cares to the feet of Jesus and have faith that He will share your burdens.