Great Faith

by W. Brockmeier
A Canaanite Woman and a Certain Centurion
In His public ministry, the Lord Jesus twice commended individuals for having "great faith." These acknowledgments were not directed to His own disciples, but to a Canaanite woman and a Roman centurion. Their personal faith shines even more brilliantly when we contrast it with the dark and widespread unbelief of the Jews.
To His beloved but often fearful disciples, the blessed Lord was constrained to attribute "little faith" with regards to their concern about material necessities (Matt. 6:30), their fear of perishing in a storm (Matt. 14:31), and for reasoning about His words instead of being instructed by them (Matt. 16:8).
The names of the two individuals whom God has singled out as having great faith are not mentioned, for it is their faith to which God would direct our thoughts. Their faith, which so delighted the heart of Christ, should be of special interest to us and prompt us to inquire as to what constitutes great faith. May the consideration of these two individuals encourage the hearts of those of us who are more characterized by having little faith.