UNEXPECTED GOALKEEPER SHOWS EXTRAORDINARY SKILL
Any football fan knows that Spain versus Cape Verde is a mismatch. Spain is ever-present in top tournaments, they have a World Cup trophy (2010), and they are recent European champions. But the island nation of Cape Verde is home to just over half a million people, about a hundred times smaller. When Cape Verde participated in their first-ever World Cup match, and held Spain to a scoreless draw, the upset made headlines. One man symbolized the surprising result—Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper, known by the name of Vozinha. Spain launched repeated attacks on goal, but observers were stunned by the many saves from an aged shot-stopper. Vozinha’s extraordinary performance earned him the title, “Man of the Match,” and his name will not soon be forgotten in his home nation, or in Spain.
UNEXPECTED SOLDIER SHOWS EXTRAORDINARY FAITH
In today’s reading, a centurion commander comes to Jesus with a request for Him to heal a servant, bedridden at home. Jesus seems willing to come, but the centurion suggests that a home-visit is unnecessary. He respects Jesus’ authority, and he thinks that Jesus might just as easily heal at a distance. Jesus is pleasantly surprised at the faith being displayed by a Gentile soldier. Jesus deems this even greater faith than He has seen among fellow Jews. Jesus uses the opportunity to describe a coming day when all God’s people—Jews and Gentiles—shall be gathered for a great feast in the kingdom of God. And He dismisses the centurion, whose servant is already healed.
Questions
- What is the most surprising performance you have ever seen (in sports, film, or somewhere else)?
- What words and actions reveal astonishing faith from the centurion?
- Who else have you seen display astonishing faith?