Not a Long Shot
Kicking off “Nameless Faith,” we zoom in on the Roman centurion — a man whose name we don’t get, but whose faith amazed Jesus. He’d tried everything, hit a wall, and still believed Jesus could heal from a distance with just a word. That’s the heart of real faith: not treating Jesus as a helpful teacher when life wobbles, but trusting Him as Lord with actual authority. Your past, your drift, your distance—none of it disqualifies you. God’s word won’t fail. Learn His promises, trust them in your situation, and let your faith outlive your name.
KEY VERSES:
- Matthew 8:5–13
- Luke 7:1–10
- Luke 1:37
- Romans 10:9–10
- Psalm 34:18
- Hebrews 13:5
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- Philippians 4:19
- Revelation 21:4
- Philippians 4:6–7
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
- Matthew 11:28
- Isaiah 41:10
- Proverbs 3:5–6
- 1 John 1:9
- John 11:25–26
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Faith that amazes Jesus — A nameless Roman centurion comes to Jesus for his paralyzed servant and believes Jesus can heal with a word (Matthew 8:5–13; cf. Luke 7:1–10).
- Desperation turns into dependence — After exhausting every option, he still goes to Jesus. Hitting the end of ourselves can be a doorway to faith (Matthew 8:6–7).
- Not just Teacher—Lord — Twice the centurion says “Lord.” He recognizes real authority and submits to it (Matthew 8:8–9). Faith treats Jesus as the One in charge, not a life coach (Romans 10:9–10).
- Distance doesn’t disqualify — A Gentile soldier, far from Israel’s faith community, is welcomed. Jesus highlights his faith as greater than any in Israel (Matthew 8:10–12).
- Trust the word — “Just say the word.” Faith banks on Jesus’ word because His word never fails (Matthew 8:8; Luke 1:37).
- Promises for real life — Scripture speaks straight into our mess: comfort, presence, strength, provision, peace, forgiveness, direction, hope (Psalm 34:18; Hebrews 13:5; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Philippians 4:19; Revelation 21:4; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Matthew 11:28; Isaiah 41:10; Proverbs 3:5–6; 1 John 1:9; John 11:25–26).
- Outcome — “Let it be done just as you believed.” The servant is healed at that moment (Matthew 8:13). Faith submits; Jesus moves.
TALK ABOUT IT:
- Where have I been asking Jesus for advice but not surrendering to His authority as Lord (Matthew 8:8–9)?
- What “distance” (time away, doubt, past choices) makes me feel disqualified—and what does this story say back to that (Matthew 8:10–12)?
- Which promise from God speaks most to my right-now circumstance, and how will I hold onto it this week (Luke 1:37)?
- When did I last say, “Just say the word,” and act as if Jesus’ word is enough (Matthew 8:8)?
- How does submitting to Jesus as Lord change a specific decision I’m facing?
- What would “faith that amazes Jesus” look like in my calendar, budget, or relationships this month?
- Who needs me to bring Jesus’ promises to them—gently and practically—this week?
- If my name is forgotten, what do I hope my family and friends remember about my faith?
APPLY IT:
- Shift your address: Pray, “Jesus, You’re Lord, not just my helper. I submit [name the area] to You today.” (Romans 10:9–10)
- Pick one promise that fits your current season and memorize it this week (e.g., anxious? Philippians 4:6–7; lonely? Hebrews 13:5).
- Trade “but” for “because.” Replace “But I feel…” with “Because You said…” when fear or doubt hits (Luke 1:37).
- Act on it fast: Take one concrete step that matches your prayer (call the counselor, reconcile, rest, apply, confess).
- Confess and release: If you’ve treated Jesus as Teacher-only, tell Him and realign under His authority (Matthew 8:8–9).
- Speak life out loud: Read your chosen promise over your situation morning and night this week.
- Invite accountability: Ask a trusted friend to ask you, “What promise are you standing on?”
- Celebrate small wins: Journal one moment each day where you saw God’s word hold you up.
Born and raised in Schuylkill County, Josh is passionate about Grace being a church that reaches the entire county. He drives the vision, content, clarity, and leadership cohesion at our church. Josh loves old Harleys, fly-fishing, and Philly sports, but not nearly as much as a he loves spending time with his family.