There was a Roman centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant. (Matthew 8:5-13) He didn’t consider himself worthy to have Jesus in his house and heal him in person, but believed Jesus could heal him just by saying the word. The man was a soldier, and knew that when orders were given, they were carried out immediately.

Listen to Jesus’ reaction and response in verses 10-13:

10 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. 11 I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

13 Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment.

Did you catch that? Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s faith. 

There appear to only be two events where the Greek word translated as “amazed” or “marveled” is used to describe Jesus’ reaction: Matthew 8:10 and Luke 7:9 cite the account of the centurion’s faith, and Mark 6:6 tells how He marveled at the unbelief in His hometown. 

        6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” 5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith. - Mark 6:1-6

They were so familiar with Him that they thought they had Him figured out. “How can this neighbor boy be the Messiah?” That lack of faith is what amazed Jesus and why His miracles in that area were few.

God’s not going to force Himself on anyone, especially those who have set up walls of unbelief against Him. That is one reason why it’s so important that we pray for open hearts, both for ourselves and for others, that we may be able to receive Him and all He has for us.