Matthew 8:5-10 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came to him a centurion, beseeching him,… "Go thy way; .... I will stay apart from thy sick servant; .... I will take thee at thy word." I. OBSERVE HOW THIS PROPOSAL WAS CALCULATED TO TRY THE EARNESTNESS OF HIS FAITH. HOW far we really believe may be gathered from the fruits of our faith. Let us thus test our belief in Providence, revelation, the assistance of Divine grace, of the resurrection of the body. What portion have we by real faith in these? To the centurion Christ's words were words of comfort; to his servant, of healing. Are they to us? He was justified in the profession of his faith. II. HENCE WE MAY ACCOUNT FOR THE SLIGHT DEGREE IN WHICH WE AT PRESENT DERIVE BENEFITS FROM THE PRIVILEGES OF THE GOSPEL. It is only by believing more heartily that we can be healed more fully. III. FROM THESE WORDS WE MAY FORM A JUST APPREHENSION ALSO OF OUR FUTURE SENTENCE. Then it will be said, "As thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee." We are graciously justified by faith. (C. Girdlestone, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,WEB: When he came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking him, |
    |