[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 7
Bible Verses:
“So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” (Luke 7:6-8)
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.? (Luke 7:9-10)
“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)
“ Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (Luke 7:50)
THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION (vs. 1-10)
The centurion had a servant who was sick and about to die. When he heard of Jesus, he sent some elders to Jesus and asked him to come and heal his servant. When Jesus was on the way to the centurion’s house, the centurion sent friends to tell Jesus just say a word and his servant will be healed. Jesus was amazed at his great faith. When the men returned to the house, the servant was already well.
JESUS RAISES A WIDOW’S SON (vs. 11-17)
In a town of Nain, there was a dead person, the only son of a widow who was being carried out. As Jesus and his disciples approached the town gate, the Lord saw the widow and was moved with compassion. He comforted her not to cry and touched the coffin saying: “:Young man, I say to you, get up!” (v. 14). The dead man sat up and began to talk. All the people praised God and professed tha God has come to help his people. This news spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST (vs. 18-35)
When John’s disciples told him about what Jesus did, he sent men to ask the Lord if he is the Lord or should t hey expect someone else. Jesus replied to his messenger telling them that the blind received sight, the lame walked, those with leprosy were cured, the deaf heard, the dead are raised and the good news was preached to the poor (v. 22). And Jesus told the messenger concerning Joh, who is more than prophet. Among those born of women, there is no one greater than John. (v. 28)
John thought that his ministry had failed but Jesus pointed out that it was the Jewish leaders (vs. 29-30) and pope (v. 31-35) who had failed. The leaders rejected God’s Word through John and the people were childish.
JESUS ANOINTED BY A SINFUL WOMAN (vs. 36-50)
One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner at his house. A woman who lived a sinful life approachd Jesus. She wet his feet with her tears, wiped them with her hair and kissed them and poured perfume on them.
Simon was confused why would Jeus, a prophet allowed the prostitute to touch him. Then Jesus told him a parable to make it clear that all of us are in devt to God and are unable to pay because we are spiritually bankrupt. Jesus pointed out Simon’s sin of omission. He failed to treat Jesus with kindness and hospitality. But this woman was s sinner in flesh but she was saved by faith proven by her love for Christ.
When Jesus said: “Your sins are forgiven and your father has said: you go in peace” (cvs. 48, 50). they charged him with blasphemy.
REFLECTION:
- The centurion was humble to ask help from God. He had great faith in Jesus/ How about you? Re you humble? Do you have great faith in God?
- Jesus gave hope to the lonely widow by raising up his dead son. Are you discouraged and down-0hearted? Place your hope in Jesus.
- John the Baptist thought his ministry was a failure. But Jesus praised him as the greatest prophet. While serving God, do you fell the same way as John the Baptist? Do not be discouraged for there is great reward in haven waiting for you.
- Simon was critical towards the woman and doubted the integrity of Jesus. He was guilty of the sin of the Spirit. Are you judgmental?
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