An Amazing Heart is the Place to Start

Watch Senior Pastor Daniel Macaluso's sermon "An Amazing Heart is the Place to Start" now on YouTube.

Watch Senior Pastor Daniel Macaluso's sermon "An Amazing Heart is the Place to Start" now on YouTube.

Who doesn’t want to be amazing? Not in a prideful or boastful way—but truly, deeply inspiring to the people around us and, most incredibly, to God Himself.

In Luke 7:1-10, we meet a Roman centurion—an unexpected example of someone who amazed Jesus. Let that sink in. Jesus—God in the flesh, the one who knows all things—was amazed. And not by a miracle, not by a sermon, not by a temple. By a man’s heart.

“I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” – Luke 7:9

The centurion had no special access to Jesus, no prestigious religious background, and no seminary degree. But what he did have was something far more powerful: a heart full of love, humility, and faith. And that’s what amazed Jesus.

It wasn’t his rank, resources, or reputation that impressed God. It was his character. And here’s the good news: that’s something we can all choose to develop.

1. Amazing Love

Most Roman officials treated their servants like tools—objects to be used and discarded. But this centurion? He valued his servant. He saw his humanity. When the man was near death, the centurion didn’t ignore his suffering—he went out of his way to seek help from a Jewish rabbi, someone of a different culture, someone others like him usually looked down on.

“He loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.” – Luke 7:5

In a divided world, the centurion’s love crossed lines. He didn’t care about appearances or what his peers might think. He loved his servant. He loved the Jewish people. His heart stood out—so much so that even the Jewish elders spoke on his behalf.

Does our love stand out like that? Would Jesus be amazed at how we love those who are different from us—those outside our circle, our culture, or our comfort zone?

2. Amazing Humility

Despite being a commanding officer over 100 soldiers—the backbone of the Roman military—the centurion didn’t see himself as worthy. He recognized Jesus’ authority and approached with reverence, not entitlement.

“Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.” – Luke 7:6

He didn’t demand a miracle. He didn’t even come in person. He humbled himself. In a world where entitlement is on the rise and gratitude is fading fast, humility is radical. And beautiful.

Do we still approach God with awe? Do we see our relationship with Him as a gift, not a right?

The centurion could’ve flexed his status—but instead, he honored Jesus and considered His needs. He was thoughtful, respectful, and profoundly humble.

3. Amazing Faith

Perhaps the most incredible thing about the centurion’s heart was his faith.

“But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” – Luke 7:7

He understood authority—not just earthly, but spiritual. He believed Jesus didn’t need to be physically present to heal. He trusted in the power of Christ’s word alone.

This kind of faith stopped Jesus in His tracks.

Faith is the great equalizer. It’s not reserved for the educated, the wealthy, the charismatic, or the elite. Faith is open to anyone with a heart willing to trust God—even when the odds seem stacked against them.

So, What About Us?

What kind of heart are we cultivating?

When the “doing” gets stripped away—when church programs pause, when platforms go quiet, when the noise settles—what’s left?

During times like COVID, many Christians drifted because their identity was in what they did, not in who they were. Most churches in the US lost half their members. But those with an amazing heart—built on love, humility, and faith—endured.

Because an amazing heart is the place to start.

Reflection on Jesus's Amazing Heart

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree; so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” – 1 Peter 2:24

Jesus amazed the world through His own heart—loving the unlovable, humbling Himself to death, and trusting the Father even in suffering. He didn’t fight back. He didn’t threaten. He loved, served, and sacrificed.

As we take communion, we remember not only His body and His blood—but His heart. And we ask ourselves:

Are we following in His steps?

Final Thought:

Just as Jesus was amazed by the centurion’s heart, He invites us to have that same heart—a heart that reflects His love, humility, and faith.

And that journey? It starts right here. Right now.

Because an amazing heart is the place to start.

Watch Senior Pastor Daniel Macaluso's sermon "An Amazing Heart is the Place to Start" now on YouTube.