The 8th chapter of Matthew is a contrast of faith.

Large faith with little faith.

Matthew presents a Centurions story with his inspiring “great faith” vv-5-13, and then goes on to describe the faith displayed by himself and that of his peers, he called it “little faith” vv-23-27.

Great faith places a full and final confidence in Jesus and what He says (speak the Word only.” v8) while neither being discouraged by nor denying the facts that contradict His sayings.

With childlike trust, it believes that the omnipotent Gods irresistible will and inspired Word will at last bend all the actual “things seen” of (2 Corinthians 4:8) to conform to the greater realities God has foretold.

Not quite sure of this “little faith” will do just the opposite. It is swayed by contradictory circumstantial evidence, so much that it first begins to doubt, then forgets, and finally denies altogether the greater, abiding facts: Jesus is still present and all-powerful and His personality and promises will always remain true.

Gods faithful character and firm Word will win the heart of the one--- while fickle contradictions intimidate and captivate the other with the spirit of unbelief.

The Bible is full of examples of great faith.

The Israelites demonstrated great faith at Jericho, when for six days they marched around the city, and on the seventh shouted victory, though as yet there were no visible changes in its walls.

Why?

God had promised that they would fall.

On his way to Rome, Paul showed great faith by expressing firm confidence that he and his shipmates would survive a long, violent storm when there was no meteorological evidence that would support his claim.

Why?

God had given a promise and Paul believed it to be true.

Acts 27:24 “Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before Cesar; and; lo; GOD hath given thee all them that sail with thee.”

Whenever all physical evidence and years of experience declared that it was impossible for Abraham and Sarah to reproduce, Abraham,” hoped on faith” confident that he would yet bear a son and become a “father of many nations” despite the persistently hopeless physical realities.

Why?

God had promised and Abraham was “fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21)

In all of these and in so many more God ultimately gave a full performance of His promises to those who remain fully persuaded of it in the face of persistently contradictory evidence.

Matthew 8 further teaches that, ultimately, great faith will be recognized and little faith rebuked.

The Centurion was publicly praised by the Son of God and subtly promised a place at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (vv-10-12)

The disciples, meanwhile, were rebuked for doubting the Lord, “Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith?” (v. 26) and left ashamed and unhonored, though mercifully delivered.

Here is the thought of this matter.

The greatness of our confidence in Jesus will one day win us His personal praise--or its smallness will bring us His rebuke!