ENCOUNTERING JESUS
Part 3 – Avoiding Apathy
(Matthew 8:5-13)
June 2, 2024
Juan Carlos Heredia, Pastor of Spanish Ministry
Apathy is an indifference about something that can permeate every aspect of our lives.
Apathy subtly creeps in when we choose to ignore what’s important.
The more apathetic we become toward Jesus, the more accustomed we become to living without Him.
Matthew 8:5a
When he entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him…
Apathy sees Jesus as unimportant, but humility sees Jesus as Lord.
Matthew 8:5b-6
…pleading with him 6 “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, in terrible agony.”
Matthew 8:7-97
He said to him, “Am I to come and heal him?” 8 “Lord,” the centurion replied, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. 9 For I too am a man under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.”
Matthew 8:10
Hearing this, Jesus was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with so great a faith.
Mark 6:5,6
5 He was not able to do a miracle there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
We either respond to Jesus’ authority with an amazing faith or an apathetic rejection.
Matthew 8:11-13
11 I tell you that many will come from east and west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 Then Jesus told the centurion, “Go. As you have believed, let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that very moment.
How are you vigilant and proactive about maintaining your passion and commitment to Jesus in all areas of your life?