HCBC Sunday School - “Friends” Class
Faith Demonstrated (Matthew 8:5-13)

1) First Thoughts
a. Recognition of authority (chain of command) makes the machinery of the military run smoothly when commands are given and obeyed. Read I Thess. 5:12-13.
b. Jesus’ authority was clearly seen in His dealings with a Roman centurion’s request that He intervene when a servant’s life was in danger.
2) Understand the Context
a. After the Sermon on the Mount, the Gospel of Matthew records a number of Jesus’ miracles in chapters 8-9. In the sermon, Jesus taught with authority, while through miracles He demonstrated authority.
3) Explore the Text
a. Ask with Humility (8:5-7)
i. Point – a Roman centurion who possessed significant authority by virtue of his position humbled himself to ask help from Jesus.
ii. Jesus voiced a readiness to enter the Gentile’s home – For there is no respect of persons with God. ~ Romans 2:11
iii. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: ~ I Peter 5:6
b. Acknowledge His Authority (8:8-9)
i. Discuss the basis for our confidence in Jesus, i.e., His authority.
ii. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. ~ John 15:16
c. Anticipate in Faith (8:10-13)
i. Reason for Jews’ lack of faith – And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. ~ Galatians 1:14
ii. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. ~ Matthew 21:22
4) Memory Verse: And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour. ~ Matthew 8:13

I Thessalonians 5:12-13
[12] And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
[13] And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves.