Yesterday’s story about the Roman Centurion reminding Jesus that Jesus could heal his servant from a distance was about the faith of an outsider – a Gentile:

When Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed him, “Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith. (Matthew 8.10, ESV, emphasis mine)

I came across the same idea in the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:

And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15.21 – 28, ESV, emphasis mine)

Jesus rarely commended people for faith. Usually, when he talked to people about their faith it came out, “O you of little faith!” But here are two Gentiles commended for their great faith. The Roman centurion’s faith was demonstrated by his understanding of Jesus’ power to heal, even at a distance. This woman’s faith was demonstrated by her persistence and creativity.

(And for those of you worrying about why Jesus appears to put down this Gentile outsider, recall that he was around the Sea of Galilee when the story started, he walked up to “the district of Tyre and Sidon” – at least two days, I’m told. He healed the daughter and returned to the Sea of Galilee. What do you think he talked about with the disciples on the way back?)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (Hebrews 11.6, NKJV)

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Luke 18.1, NIV)