SCRIPTURE: LUKE 7
THE FAITH OF THE CENTURION (vs. 1-10)
When Jesus entered Capernaum, there was a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly was sick and about to die. The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to Him, asking him to come and heal his servant. So Jesus went with them. While he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Jesus saying: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not 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.” Jesus was amazed upon hearing this and 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.
JESUS RAISES A WIDOW’S SON (vs. 11-17)
Soon afterward, Jesus went along with disciples and a large crowd to a town called Nain. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out – the only son of a widow. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” (v. 13). Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” (v. 14) The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST (vs. 18-35)
When John’s disciples told him about all the things about Jesus,, he called two of his disciples and sent them to ask Jesus: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied to the messengers” Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”? (vs. 22-23)
After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes,, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. 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.” (vs. 24-28)
All the people including the tax collectors acknowledged that God’s way was right because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and expert in the law rejected God[‘s purpose for themselves because they had not been baptized by John.
Jesus said: “To what then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other: “We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.” For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon’. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners”. But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” (vs. 31-35)
JESUS ANOINTED BY A SINFUL WOMAN (vs. 36-50)
One of the Pharisees called Simon invited Jesus to have dinner with him at his house. A woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to set his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is – that she is a sinner.”
Jesus turned to Simon and said: “Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he cancelled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” (v. 41-42). Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled.” Jesus said: “You have judged correctly” Jesus said. (v. 43). Then Jesus continued: “Do you see this woman” I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven – for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” (v. 44-47). Then Jesus said to her, “You sins are forgiven.” (v. 48). The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins>” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (v. 50)
THOUGHTS:
The centurion confessed that he was not worthy and revealed his humility and confession of faith. If you want to ask something from God, you must be humble and have great faith in Him to deserve His blessings.
The widow was mourning the death of his son. She did not expect that someone would arrive and break up the funeral. Remember not to lose hope because the Lord may surprise you at the last minute and do the impossible for you.
John was confused because the reports he received about Jesus were unexpected and incomplete. Jesus understood his doubts and explained what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. If you have doubts of who Jesus is, start to face your doubts and look for answers. God can handle our doubts.
As the owner who invited Jesus to his house, Simon was supposed to extend courtesy by washing Jesus’ feet, anointing his head with oil and offering him the kiss of greeting. But he failed to do them. The sinful woman by contrast, lavished tears, expensive perfume and kissed Him. This woman demonstrated her true faith and Jesus honored her faith.