The Roman centurion’s servant

Since Romans were conquerors and Jews the conquered, the Jews had obvious reason to dislike Romans. As a rule, no Jew would enter a Roman’s home.

But on one occasion Jesus had a request to heal the servant of a Roman centurion. The centurion was a “God-fearer” (see 305 [proselytes]), not anti-Jew as most Romans were.

He had such faith in Jesus’ power that he requested that Jesus not even enter his home to perform the healing, but accomplish it from a distance.

Jesus was touched by this, saying, “I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (Matt. 8:10). And sure enough, the centurion’s servant was made well.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Announcement to Mary

John Macarthur

When we first meet Mary in Luke’s gospel, it is on the occasion when an archangel appeared to her suddenly and without fanfare to disclose to her God’s wonderful plan.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Sanctifying Joy and Cleansing Grace

Charles Spurgeon

Amid the cheerfulness of household gatherings, it is easy to slide into sinful amusements and forget our declared character as Christians. It should not be so, but it is, that our days of feasting are very seldom days of sanctified enjoyment.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Transcendental Importance of Christmas

Philip Yancey

Unlike most people, I do not feel much Dickensian nostalgia at Christmastime. The holiday fell just a few days after my father died early in my childhood, and all my memories of the season are darkened by the shadow of that sadness.

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The Message of Christmas

Charles Stanley

One of the messages that we learn from the Christmas story is that of peace. While God might appear overwhelming at times, He always wants to give us the assurance that with Him, peace reigns, even in the announcement of His Son’s birth.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Voice of the Shepherd

Charles Stanley

Have you ever seen a child who cannot find his mother in a crowd? Although she may be out of sight, the little tyke may still hear her voice. It is almost as though his inner radar scans the sounds around him, looking for that one familiar tone.