15th June 2023
The conviction of things not seen
“…Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29 (ESV)
At some point in Jesus’ ministry a centurion came to Jesus appealing to him to heal his slave who was painfully paralysed. He didn’t come in person – he sent some Jewish elders to speak on his behalf, maybe uncertain of whether Jesus would entertain a request from a foreign soldier. Jesus was on his way to his house, when the man sent another message confessing that he was not deserving of a personal visit. All he asked is that Jesus say the word and his servant will be healed.
He would have known that he was asking a hard thing for a Jew to come into the house of a Gentile but this was more than consideration. He knew that Jesus didn’t need to be present. There was no need for a ceremony, or hands being laid on his servant, or ‘magic’ words being spoken over the sick man. His message included the reason for his confidence – his experience of how things worked in the Roman army. He knew the military chain of command and how orders from one in authority would be obeyed without question. Jesus was seriously impressed by his faith. He had not found anyone with such a faith in Israel.
And we have another example of a gentile who didn’t need the presence of Jesus to heal: A Canaanite woman forced her way into Jesus’ presence, begging him to have mercy on her daughter who was in a desperate way with demon-possession. After a fascinating conversation with her, Jesus told her “…great is your faith!” Her daughter was healed.
Both these gentiles had acted on the deep concerns they had for their respective dependents. Both of them knew that all Jesus had to do was to speak the word. Neither needed the presence of Jesus standing over the ones they were concerned about. And both were commended for their faith.
In the upper room, a week after his resurrection, Jesus invited Thomas to inspect his wounds to validate his resurrection. “My Lord and my God!” exclaimed Thomas. “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” replied Jesus. The centurion and the Canaanite woman are the forerunners of all the nations around the world who, after Jesus’ ascension, have not seen, yet believe and pray in faith.
Prayer
Father, may we exhibit the unwavering faith of this man and woman. May we look to Jesus with all our concerns, knowing that he doesn’t have to be present to hear and answer us. Amen.
Study by Hilary Buck
About the writer:
Hilary Buck is a minister and pastors the Lewes congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Grace Communion in Lewes
The House of Friendship
208 High Street
Lewes
BN7 2NS
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:00 am
Local congregational contact:
Hilary Buck
Email: lewes@gracecom.church
Like us on www.facebook.com/Grace Communion Lewes
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church