Today’s 333 Devotional: “The Greatest Faith”

Who in the Bible had the greatest faith? Was it Noah, Abraham, Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Elijah?

Each of these and many more whose stories are found in the Bible displayed great faith. But the person with the greatest faith was the most unlikely of them all, a Roman Centurion.

Jesus had just entered the city of Capernaum. The centurion came and pleaded for Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus then shocked the Jewish crowd saying that He would go with the centurion to his house and heal his servant.

But the centurion told Jesus that such a trip wasn’t necessary. He probably knew his house was unclean according to Jewish law, but more importantly he understood obedience and authority.

He said, “All you have to do is speak the word, and it’ll be done, because not only am I am man under authority, but I have men under my authority, and if I tell them to do something, they’ll do it.” (Matthew 8:8-9 paraphrased)

And the implication is that they’ll do it no questions asked.

After hearing what the centurion said, Jesus marveled saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel.” And then he said to the centurion, “Go you way, as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” (Matthew 8:10, 13)

The key to great faith is linking God’s authority with our obedience. This understanding is what made the centurion’s faith so great. Faith and obedience go hand in hand. When you trust someone you’ll do what they say.

God has linked trust in him, i.e. faith, with obedience. All of God’s promises are conditioned upon our following His directions. And when we do then God promises we’ll have success and a full life.

“Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.” (Deuteronomy 5:33)