Imagine a Roman centurion, a man of power and authority, humbling himself to seek help from Jesus for his sick servant. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a journey through faith and compassion in Luke 7.
The Reading: Luke 7
World English Bible1 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
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2 A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death.
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3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant.
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4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him,
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5 for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.”
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6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.
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7 Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed.
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8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
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9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.”
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10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.
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11 Soon afterwards, he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him.
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12 Now when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her.
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13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Don’t cry.”
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14 He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
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15 He who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother.
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16 Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!”
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17 This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.
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18 The disciples of John told him about all these things.
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19 John, calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?”
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20 When the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you he who comes, or should we look for another?’”
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21 In that hour he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind he gave sight.
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22 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.
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23 Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.”
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24 When John’s messengers had departed, he began to tell the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
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25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
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26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet.
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27 This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’
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28 “For I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer, yet he who is least in God’s Kingdom is greater than he.”
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29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with John’s baptism.
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30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by him themselves.
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31 “To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like?
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32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call to one another, saying, ‘We piped to you, and you didn’t dance. We mourned, and you didn’t weep.’
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33 For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’
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34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’
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35 Wisdom is justified by all her children.”
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36 One of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table.
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37 Behold, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that he was reclining in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment.
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38 Standing behind at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
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39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what kind of woman this is who touches him, that she is a sinner.”
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40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” He said, “Teacher, say on.”
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41 “A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
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42 When they couldn’t pay, he forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love him most?”
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43 Simon answered, “He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most.” He said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
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44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head.
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45 You gave me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet.
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46 You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
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47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.”
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48 He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
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49 Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
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50 He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Centurion's Faith
The chapter begins with Jesus arriving in Capernaum, where a centurion's servant lies gravely ill. The centurion, a respected figure in the community, shows his love for the servant by sending Jewish elders to plead with Jesus. They describe the centurion as a worthy man who cares deeply for their nation, even building their synagogue.
When Jesus is on his way to the centurion's house, the centurion sends friends to relay a powerful message. He feels unworthy to have Jesus come into his home and believes Jesus can simply say the word and heal his servant. This level of faith astonishes Jesus, who declares he hasn't seen such faith even among the Israelites. Sure enough, when the friends return, they find the servant healed!
A Miracle in Nain
Later, Jesus travels to the town of Nain, where he encounters a funeral procession. A widow is mourning her only son, and Jesus, filled with compassion, tells her not to cry. He approaches the coffin and commands the young man to rise. To everyone's amazement, the dead boy sits up and begins to speak! The crowd is left in awe, praising God for the miracle they have witnessed.
John the Baptist's Inquiry
News of these miracles reaches John the Baptist, who is curious and sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He's the Messiah. Jesus responds by highlighting His miracles, fulfilling prophecies of healing and good news being shared with the poor. He reassures them that those who do not take offense at Him are blessed.
A Lesson in Forgiveness
The chapter concludes with a dinner at a Pharisee's house, where a sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with pricey ointment, washing them with her tears. The Pharisee is judgmental, thinking if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know who she is. Jesus responds with a parable about two debtors, illustrating that those who are forgiven much will love much. He acknowledges the woman's acts of love and forgives her sins, saying her faith has saved her. This moment of grace contrasts sharply with the Pharisee's heartless judgment.
Why It Matters
The Power of Faith
The centurion's story teaches us that faith can come from unexpected places. His humility and belief in Jesus' authority highlight that faith is not about status but about trust. We, too, can approach God with our needs, believing in His power.
Compassion Over Judgment
Jesus' response to the widow shows us the importance of compassion. In a world that can often feel cold, we are called to extend kindness and empathy to those who are suffering. This chapter encourages us to be present with those in pain, just as Jesus was.
Embracing Forgiveness
The anointing by the sinful woman illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness. No matter our past, we can find redemption and new life in Jesus. This message is profound and resonates with many of us today.
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Coming Up Next: Luke 8
Stay tuned for Luke 8, where Jesus shares parables that illuminate the mysteries of God's Kingdom and continues to perform miracles that will leave you inspired. Don't miss the next part of this incredible journey!