How can we encourage others to have faith like the centurion's in Matthew 8:10?

◄ Inspire faith like the centurion's? ►

“ When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, ‘Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.’ ”

What Made the Centurion’s Faith Stand Out?

• Confidence in Christ’s authority—he believed Jesus could heal with a word (v. 8).

• Humility—“I am not worthy” (v. 8).

• Intercession for another—he sought help for his servant, not himself (v. 6).

• Understanding of delegated power—he likened Jesus’ authority to a soldier’s chain of command (v. 9).

Key Ingredients of Centurion-Like Faith

• Recognize Christ’s absolute authority (Colossians 1:16-17).

• Trust His word over visible circumstances (2 Corinthians 5:7).

• Combine humility with bold expectation (James 4:6; Hebrews 4:16).

• Act in love for others (Galatians 5:6).

Practical Ways to Inspire This Faith in Others

1. Highlight Jesus’ Word

– Read gospel healings aloud; faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17).

– Memorize short promises (e.g., Matthew 28:18; Hebrews 13:8).

2. Share Real-Life Testimonies

– Tell stories of answered prayer; testimony stirs expectation (Revelation 12:11).

3. Model Humble Boldness

– Pray specifically with others, yet acknowledge dependence on Christ’s mercy.

– Let them see calm confidence rather than anxiety (Philippians 4:6-7).

4. Serve Practically

– Meet needs the way the centurion cared for his servant; love validates faith (James 2:15-17).

5. Use Authority Under Christ

– Teach believers to speak Scripture over situations just as the centurion trusted a spoken command (Mark 11:22-24).

Scriptures to Share and Memorize Together

• Hebrews 11:6—“Without faith it is impossible to please God…”

• Psalm 33:9—“For He spoke, and it came to be.”

• Matthew 21:22—“Whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

• Ephesians 3:20—“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more…”

Cultivating a Faith-Filled Environment

• Regularly read the Gospels as a group to keep Jesus’ works fresh in mind.

• Encourage testimony nights where people recount God’s interventions.

• Pray short, Scripture-anchored prayers so everyone learns to lean on the Word.

• Celebrate every answered prayer, no matter how small—gratitude multiplies faith (Luke 17:15-19).

Living the Example Daily

• Start each day declaring Christ’s authority over your household (Joshua 24:15).

• Ask, “Whom can I serve today?”—faith grows when expressed in love (1 Peter 4:10).

• Respond to challenges first with Scripture, then with action.

Encouraging Words to Speak Over Others

• “Jesus is willing and able—let’s trust His word together.”

• “He honors humble hearts; your need is His opportunity.”

• “Authority rests in Christ; one word from Him changes everything.”