*2 Kings 5:1–15b Psalm 110:1–4 Romans 12:16–21 Matthew 8:1–13
Preacher: The Rev. Aaron E. Yaeger
Jesus Mercifully Exercises His Authority Naaman, the commander of the Syrian army, thought a works-righteous faith would please God. Though at first unimpressed with God’s Word from the prophet, Naaman is persuaded to receive that Word, and in the water he is cleansed and brought to faith in the God of Israel (2 Kings 5:1–15b). There he receives God’s mercy. So also in the New Testament, a Jewish leper trusts in Jesus’ power to save and submits to God’s gracious will (Matt. 8:1–13). The Roman centurion demonstrates great and humble faith in the Lord. All he needs is the Word of Christ, for he trusts that Jesus’ Word of healing has authority to accomplish what it says. And indeed it does. The centurion’s faith is praised by our Lord above that of any Israelite. Apart from faith in this merciful Christ, there is no salvation—not even for a Jew—but only weeping and gnashing of teeth. Since we know of God’s wrath toward sinners, we therefore pray that God would save us according to His mercy, and we do not avenge ourselves, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:16–21).
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