Having A Great Faith

I'm not really a boxing fan (can't understand why someone would want to make a living by getting repeatedly hit on the head) but I did develop some interest when I was growing up regarding heavyweight fighters, especially Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Clay).  I'm not exactly sure why I admired him except that he was heavyweight champion for a while, was on television a lot (especially on programs like "ABC's Wide World of Sports") and, of course, he seemed to be a favorite of sports announcer Howard Cosell.  He fought with a certain flair and seemed to back up his persistent bragging about his abilities with results.  He was subsequently called, "The Greatest" and was king of the boxing world in his heyday.

There is something about "greatness" which is appealing.  A restaurant may state it has the "greatest cup of coffee in the world" (I'd like to try that) or Hollywood may promote a film and state it is "the greatest movie in a decade" (Hmmm...I may want to check the reviews first before I venture out to the theater).  Speaking of Hollywood, actor Jackie Gleason was dubbed "The Great One" (he obtained this nickname a little before my time).  Nevertheless, there appears to be some merit, at least in the secular world, of being the labeled the "greatest", whether it be in sports, entertainment or even politics. Consequently, manufacturers are constantly working to provide the "greatest" product for their customers.

Jesus was also touched by the greatness of a person.  Reading in Matthew 8:5-10, 13:

"And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, and saying, "Lord, my servant is lying paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented." Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."  But the centurion said, "Lord, I am not worthy for You to come under my roof, but just say the word, and my servant will be healed.  For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me, and I say to this one, 'Go!' and he goes, and to another, 'Come!' and he comes, and to my slave, 'Do this!' and he does it.  Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you.  I have not found such great (italics mine) faith with anyone in Israel....And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way; let it be done to you as you have believed." And the servant was healed that very hour."

So, when Jesus says this is the "greatest faith", it would behoove us to take notice.  What was so great about the centurion's faith?

First of all, he understood the power of Jesus.  No sickness or situation was beyond His healing ability.  Reminds me of Jeremiah 32:27 which states, "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?"

In relation to this, he was aware of the provision for Jesus to heal.  He didn't even have to come to his house, lay hands on the servant or be physically present in any way.  Simply saying the word was sufficient.

Furthermore, he was knowledgeable of Jesus's personnel.  The centurion personally had soldiers and servants who followed his commands.  He knew Jesus also had a spiritual army who was ready to accomplish His purposes.

So, perhaps, one of the "greatest" truths learned from a man who had the "greatest" faith, is to recognize Jesus's power and authority to heal cancer or any other infirmity.  Simply saying the word is more than enough for Him to remove this dreaded disease.