We often talk about faith—but how many of us know what great faith really looks like?

The Bible records many miracles, many healings, many crowds following Jesus—but only a few times does Scripture say that Jesus marvelled. And when He did, it was not at a miracle, not at a sermon, not at a sacrifice—but at faith.

Text: Luke 7:1–10 (KJV)

Key Verse

“When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.” — Luke 7:9

Lesson Aim

To help believers understand what great faith looks like, how it differs from ordinary faith, and how to develop a faith that causes Jesus to marvel.

Background of the Text

Jesus has entered Capernaum, a city where He had already performed miracles. A Roman centurion—a Gentile, soldier, and representative of the occupying army—has a servant who is grievously sick and near death. Instead of approaching Jesus directly, the centurion sends Jewish elders to intercede.

This account is powerful because great faith is found in an unlikely person.

I. Great Faith Recognizes Authority (Luke 7:2–5)

The centurion understood authority.

• He was a man under authority and a man who exercised authority.

• He recognized that Jesus’ authority exceeded military rank or religious position.

• He believed Jesus had authority over sickness and life itself.

Teaching Point

Great faith understands who Jesus is, not just what He can do.

Faith grows when we truly recognize Christ’s lordship.

II. Great Faith Walks in Humility (Luke 7:6)

“Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof.”

Despite his rank and influence:

• He did not feel entitled to Jesus’ presence.

• He acknowledged his unworthiness.

Teaching Point

Great faith is not arrogant—it is humble.

Pride demands; faith submits.

True faith knows that anything we receive from God is by grace, not status.

III. Great Faith Trusts the Word Alone (Luke 7:7)

“But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.”

The centurion believed:

• Jesus did not need to touch the servant

• Jesus did not need to be physically present

• His word was enough

Teaching Point

Great faith does not require signs, proximity, or evidence—only the Word.

Faith is strongest when it rests solely on what God said.

IV. Great Faith Understands Spiritual Order (Luke 7:8)

The centurion compares Jesus’ authority to his own command over soldiers.

• Just as soldiers obey commands,

• sickness must obey Christ.

Teaching Point

Great faith believes that everything in creation must obey Jesus.

When we understand Christ’s authority, our faith becomes bold and confident.

V. Great Faith Causes Jesus to Marvel (Luke 7:9)

Jesus marvels—something rarely recorded in Scripture.

• Not because of miracles

• Not because of crowds

• But because of faith

Teaching Point

Faith moves heaven more than position, heritage, or religious activity.

Jesus did not find this faith among those who “knew the law,” but among one who trusted the Lord completely.

VI. Great Faith Produces Results (Luke 7:10)

When they returned home:

• The servant was healed

• No delay

• No additional instruction

Teaching Point

Great faith releases God’s power without struggle.

When we trust God fully, results follow naturally.

Let's ask ourselves:

1. Do I trust God’s Word, or do I need to see first?

2. Do I approach Jesus with humility, or entitlement?

3. Do I believe Jesus has authority over my situation—right now?

Conclusion

Great faith:

• Recognizes Jesus’ authority

• Walks in humility

• Trusts the Word

• Believes without seeing

• Moves the heart of Christ

Faith that trusts Jesus completely is faith that heaven responds to.

Closing Scripture

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17