A rare occurrence

Day 9

OT Reading: Genesis 23-24

NT Reading: Matthew 8

Several years ago someone pointed out to me a detail about the story with the centurion in Matthew 8. It's in Matthew 8:10 which reads, "When Jesus heard this, he was astonished..."

In the New Testament Jesus is not amazed or astonished all that often, so this is something of note. Consider the following:

• The centurion was a Roman, not a Jew.
• Romans generally worshipped many gods, not the one true God.
• Romans would not have been looking for a messiah.
• By societal rules, a Roman in authority would not likely ask for assistance from a Jew.

But despite all that, the centurion recognized the power and authority of Jesus. And for his faith, his servant was not only healed, but Jesus was also astonished.

As I think about it...I'm not sure that Jesus has ever been astonished at my faith. What about you?