Guest Post by Elder C.C. Tate Sr., Pastor of Bethlehem Church of God in Christ, Patterson, LA
Sermon Date: 09/13/2020 Scripture: Matthew 8:5-10, 15:22-28
There are two people in the gospels who Jesus said had a great faith. No doubt this is what people would want most to hear from their savior. But so often their theory regarding a great faith, a strong, good and true faith are entirely false. What does Jesus mean by “a great faith”?
A great faith is not faith in oneself, but it is a great faith that believes in the miraculous power of Christ. The Canaanite woman had this kind of faith. She knew to whom she should turn. This is what someone with great faith knows. This person knows their own limitations but recognizes something awesome in the power of the Savior. Although she was shunned by Christ's Disciples, she continued to pray and call out, “Lord, help me." As a woman from Canaan, she knows that she should not be able to reap blessings preserved for the children of Israel, but she perservers. She is content to wait like the little dogs under the table, hoping that some of the Master's crumbs may be hers. She believes herself not to be worthy, but she believes that if Jesus just says the word, her prayers will be answered.
Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. Matthew 15:28
Story of the Canaanite Woman, Matthew 15: 22-28
A great faith is belief in the Word of Christ. The Centurion knew this. As a leader of men, the Centurion knew that when he issued an order, it was taken care of. There was no reason to check. No reason to be concerned. When he spoke, his subordinates jumped to his whims. Yet, for one of his subordinates, he set aside his pride and went to Jesus. While the elders of the Jews were fawning over him, begging Jesus to heal this great man's servant, the Centurion says that he is not worthy of allowing Jesus to come to him. “Say only the word.” That was his only request. Say only one word, more than anything else, that is faith. It needs only a word.
The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. Matthew 8:8
Story of the Centurion, Matthew 5-13, Luke 7:1-10
A great faith recognizes that God permits the rain to fall upon the earth and the lightning to break forth through the clouds. It recognizes that God bides His time and yet judges right. It recognizes that He accomplishes His purpose and checks our enemies. You can call on God, believing that God hears you and fights against that which is your enemy.
When one thinks they have failed in being a Christian, they should not seek refuge in feelings nor wait for victories or successes to believe in and witness about. One should not search aimlessly in one’s heart for the discovery of a strong and victorious faith. A Christian must be steadfast in prayer, constantly going to Jesus anew, awaiting the word from His lips and humble himself under the mighty hand of God, “that in due time He may exalt you”. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Although the Centurion was a national hero who loved his country, and built the synagogue, he did not think of himself in terms of greatness. Neither did the Canaanite woman. She thought it perfectly natural to be counted among the dogs, who had no right to eat the bread of the children of Israel. Yet both of these believers let go of self and put their faith in Christ. After hearing the contrite reply of the Centurion, "he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." (vv. 8:10) And of the Canaanite woman, "he said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." (vv. 15:28) Both of their prayers were answered because of their great faith in the Word of Christ.
For those who believe in God, it is clear that “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases”. It is our desire that God does for us. Whatever it is, it is a small thing for God to do. Just speak a word, Lord, and it shall be done.
We still believe in miracles, signs and wonders, those mighty works of God, revealing God’s power over circumstances. God is at work everywhere in the world of nature and in human life.
Be healed.
Be free.
Elder Clifton C Tate Sr., a native of Jeanerette, LA, is a Vietnam Veteran and a graduate of Southern University (BR). Elder Tate received his theological training from the Charles Harrison Mason System of Bible Colleges in Lafayette, LA and was ordained as an elder in the Church of God in Christ in 2006.
Elder Tate holds regular church service at Bethlehem Church of God in Christ in Patterson, LA.
Comments