Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
But wisdom is justified of all her children.
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 7 presents a powerful series of encounters that reveal the multifaceted nature of Jesus' ministry and the diverse reactions He evoked. This chapter, rich in narrative and theological depth, showcases Jesus' compassion, authority, and the radical grace He extends to those deemed unworthy by societal standards. Understanding Luke 7 is crucial for grasping the heart of Jesus' mission and the invitation He extends to all.
The Centurion's Faith: A Model of Unwavering Trust (Luke 7:1-10)
The chapter opens with the story of a Roman centurion in Capernaum, a man deeply respected by the Jewish community for his generosity in building their synagogue (Luke 7:1-5). This centurion's servant was gravely ill, and he sought Jesus' help. However, instead of approaching Jesus directly, he sent Jewish elders as intermediaries, reflecting a sense of humility and perhaps uncertainty about Jesus' willingness to help a Gentile.
What sets this centurion apart is his profound faith. He believed that Jesus possessed such authority that He could heal his servant from a distance (Luke 7:6-8). He understood authority, as he himself was under authority and had soldiers under his command. He recognized that Jesus' word alone was sufficient to bring about healing. Jesus marveled at this display of faith, declaring that He had not found such great faith even in Israel (Luke 7:9). The servant was healed instantly.
This account underscores several key points. First, it highlights that faith transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The centurion, a Gentile, demonstrated a level of faith that surpassed that of many within Jesus' own community. Second, it reveals the power of believing in the greatness of the object of your faith. The centurion's "great" faith stemmed from his understanding of Jesus' immense authority. Finally, it shows that Jesus does not have to be physically present for His power to be effective. His word carries divine authority, able to heal and transform lives from afar.
Compassion and Power: The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
The scene shifts to the town of Nain, where Jesus encountered a funeral procession. A widow was mourning the loss of her only son, leaving her utterly destitute and without hope (Luke 7:11-12). Moved by compassion, Jesus intervened, telling her, "Do not weep" (Luke 7:13). He then approached the coffin and commanded the dead son to rise (Luke 7:14). Miraculously, the young man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus presented him to his mother (Luke 7:15).
This miracle demonstrates Jesus' profound compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized. The widow, already grieving the loss of her husband, faced a bleak future without her son. Jesus' act of raising him from the dead was not only a display of divine power but also an act of profound restoration and hope. The crowd was awestruck, glorifying God and proclaiming that "A great prophet has appeared among us!" (Luke 7:16). This event serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate resurrection miracle to come.
John the Baptist's Question and Jesus' Affirmation (Luke 7:18-23)
Meanwhile, John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod Antipas, began to question whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah (Luke 7:18-20). He sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" John's doubt, though perhaps surprising, is understandable given his circumstances. He was expecting the kingdom of God to arrive, yet he remained in prison.
Jesus responded by pointing to the miraculous works He was performing – healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 7:21-22). These actions were fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1), demonstrating that He was indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus' message to John was one of encouragement: "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me" (Luke 7:23). Even strong believers sometimes need reassurance and reaffirmation about Jesus and the gospel, especially when experiencing suffering.
Jesus' Testimony About John the Baptist (Luke 7:24-35)
After John's disciples departed, Jesus addressed the crowd, praising John's character and ministry (Luke 7:24-28). He affirmed that John was not a wavering reed or a man seeking comfort but a prophet, the messenger who prepared the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1). Jesus declared that John was the greatest man born of women, yet "the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:28). This highlights the superiority of the new covenant, which Jesus would establish through His sacrifice on the cross, over the old covenant.
Jesus then addressed the mixed reactions to both John and Himself (Luke 7:29-35). While many, including tax collectors, had been baptized by John and acknowledged God's justice, the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves by refusing to be baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30). Jesus likened the religious leaders to children playing in the marketplace, complaining that neither John's asceticism nor Jesus' joyful fellowship could please them (Luke 7:31-32). He concluded by stating that "wisdom is proved right by all her children" (Luke 7:35), meaning that those with spiritual insight validate it by their actions.
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus' Feet (Luke 7:36-50)
The final episode in Luke 7 takes place at a dinner hosted by a Pharisee named Simon (Luke 7:36). While Jesus was reclining at the table, a woman known in the town as a sinner entered the house, bringing an alabaster jar of perfume (Luke 7:37). Overcome with emotion, she knelt at Jesus' feet, weeping and washing His feet with her tears. She then wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them (Luke 7:38).
Simon the Pharisee was scandalized by the woman's actions, thinking to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know what kind of woman was touching Him (Luke 7:39). Jesus, aware of Simon's thoughts, responded with a parable about two debtors, one owing a large sum and the other a smaller amount, both of whom were forgiven by the lender (Luke 7:40-42). Jesus asked Simon which debtor would love the lender more, and Simon correctly answered, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven" (Luke 7:43).
Jesus then drew a stark contrast between Simon's lack of hospitality and the woman's extravagant display of love (Luke 7:44-46). Simon had not offered Jesus water to wash His feet, a kiss of greeting, or oil for His head, all customary acts of hospitality. The woman, on the other hand, had shown Jesus extraordinary honor and affection. Jesus concluded by declaring, "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47). He then told the woman, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48), and "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).
This poignant story powerfully illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the depth of gratitude it inspires. The woman, aware of her sinfulness, recognized Jesus as the source of grace and forgiveness. Her extravagant display of love was a direct result of her understanding of the magnitude of her debt being cancelled. Simon, on the other hand, remained blind to his own sinfulness and therefore unable to appreciate the grace that Jesus offered. This narrative calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for forgiveness, and to respond with genuine love and gratitude to the One who has paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
Luke 7, therefore, is a chapter rich in contrasts. It juxtaposes faith and doubt, compassion and judgment, humility and pride. Through these encounters, Luke reveals the heart of Jesus' ministry: a ministry of grace, forgiveness, and restoration, extended to all who would believe. It is a chapter that challenges us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for forgiveness, and to respond with genuine love and gratitude to the One who has offered us salvation. The stories and teachings within Luke 7 continue to resonate today, offering hope and encouragement to all who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.
Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about.
And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?
But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings’ courts.
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
But wisdom is justified of all her children.
And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.
And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,
And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.
Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.
There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.
Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.
Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.
And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?
And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
Luke 7 presents a powerful series of encounters that reveal the multifaceted nature of Jesus' ministry and the diverse reactions He evoked. This chapter, rich in narrative and theological depth, showcases Jesus' compassion, authority, and the radical grace He extends to those deemed unworthy by societal standards. Understanding Luke 7 is crucial for grasping the heart of Jesus' mission and the invitation He extends to all.
The Centurion's Faith: A Model of Unwavering Trust (Luke 7:1-10)
The chapter opens with the story of a Roman centurion in Capernaum, a man deeply respected by the Jewish community for his generosity in building their synagogue (Luke 7:1-5). This centurion's servant was gravely ill, and he sought Jesus' help. However, instead of approaching Jesus directly, he sent Jewish elders as intermediaries, reflecting a sense of humility and perhaps uncertainty about Jesus' willingness to help a Gentile.
What sets this centurion apart is his profound faith. He believed that Jesus possessed such authority that He could heal his servant from a distance (Luke 7:6-8). He understood authority, as he himself was under authority and had soldiers under his command. He recognized that Jesus' word alone was sufficient to bring about healing. Jesus marveled at this display of faith, declaring that He had not found such great faith even in Israel (Luke 7:9). The servant was healed instantly.
This account underscores several key points. First, it highlights that faith transcends ethnic and social boundaries. The centurion, a Gentile, demonstrated a level of faith that surpassed that of many within Jesus' own community. Second, it reveals the power of believing in the greatness of the object of your faith. The centurion's "great" faith stemmed from his understanding of Jesus' immense authority. Finally, it shows that Jesus does not have to be physically present for His power to be effective. His word carries divine authority, able to heal and transform lives from afar.
Compassion and Power: The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
The scene shifts to the town of Nain, where Jesus encountered a funeral procession. A widow was mourning the loss of her only son, leaving her utterly destitute and without hope (Luke 7:11-12). Moved by compassion, Jesus intervened, telling her, "Do not weep" (Luke 7:13). He then approached the coffin and commanded the dead son to rise (Luke 7:14). Miraculously, the young man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus presented him to his mother (Luke 7:15).
This miracle demonstrates Jesus' profound compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized. The widow, already grieving the loss of her husband, faced a bleak future without her son. Jesus' act of raising him from the dead was not only a display of divine power but also an act of profound restoration and hope. The crowd was awestruck, glorifying God and proclaiming that "A great prophet has appeared among us!" (Luke 7:16). This event serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the ultimate resurrection miracle to come.
John the Baptist's Question and Jesus' Affirmation (Luke 7:18-23)
Meanwhile, John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod Antipas, began to question whether Jesus was indeed the Messiah (Luke 7:18-20). He sent his disciples to ask Jesus directly, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" John's doubt, though perhaps surprising, is understandable given his circumstances. He was expecting the kingdom of God to arrive, yet he remained in prison.
Jesus responded by pointing to the miraculous works He was performing – healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, and proclaiming good news to the poor (Luke 7:21-22). These actions were fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1), demonstrating that He was indeed the promised Messiah. Jesus' message to John was one of encouragement: "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me" (Luke 7:23). Even strong believers sometimes need reassurance and reaffirmation about Jesus and the gospel, especially when experiencing suffering.
Jesus' Testimony About John the Baptist (Luke 7:24-35)
After John's disciples departed, Jesus addressed the crowd, praising John's character and ministry (Luke 7:24-28). He affirmed that John was not a wavering reed or a man seeking comfort but a prophet, the messenger who prepared the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1). Jesus declared that John was the greatest man born of women, yet "the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he" (Luke 7:28). This highlights the superiority of the new covenant, which Jesus would establish through His sacrifice on the cross, over the old covenant.
Jesus then addressed the mixed reactions to both John and Himself (Luke 7:29-35). While many, including tax collectors, had been baptized by John and acknowledged God's justice, the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves by refusing to be baptized by John (Luke 7:29-30). Jesus likened the religious leaders to children playing in the marketplace, complaining that neither John's asceticism nor Jesus' joyful fellowship could please them (Luke 7:31-32). He concluded by stating that "wisdom is proved right by all her children" (Luke 7:35), meaning that those with spiritual insight validate it by their actions.
A Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus' Feet (Luke 7:36-50)
The final episode in Luke 7 takes place at a dinner hosted by a Pharisee named Simon (Luke 7:36). While Jesus was reclining at the table, a woman known in the town as a sinner entered the house, bringing an alabaster jar of perfume (Luke 7:37). Overcome with emotion, she knelt at Jesus' feet, weeping and washing His feet with her tears. She then wiped His feet with her hair, kissed them, and poured perfume on them (Luke 7:38).
Simon the Pharisee was scandalized by the woman's actions, thinking to himself that if Jesus were truly a prophet, He would know what kind of woman was touching Him (Luke 7:39). Jesus, aware of Simon's thoughts, responded with a parable about two debtors, one owing a large sum and the other a smaller amount, both of whom were forgiven by the lender (Luke 7:40-42). Jesus asked Simon which debtor would love the lender more, and Simon correctly answered, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven" (Luke 7:43).
Jesus then drew a stark contrast between Simon's lack of hospitality and the woman's extravagant display of love (Luke 7:44-46). Simon had not offered Jesus water to wash His feet, a kiss of greeting, or oil for His head, all customary acts of hospitality. The woman, on the other hand, had shown Jesus extraordinary honor and affection. Jesus concluded by declaring, "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47). He then told the woman, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:48), and "Your faith has saved you; go in peace" (Luke 7:50).
This poignant story powerfully illustrates the transformative power of forgiveness and the depth of gratitude it inspires. The woman, aware of her sinfulness, recognized Jesus as the source of grace and forgiveness. Her extravagant display of love was a direct result of her understanding of the magnitude of her debt being cancelled. Simon, on the other hand, remained blind to his own sinfulness and therefore unable to appreciate the grace that Jesus offered. This narrative calls us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for forgiveness, and to respond with genuine love and gratitude to the One who has paid the ultimate price for our redemption.
Luke 7, therefore, is a chapter rich in contrasts. It juxtaposes faith and doubt, compassion and judgment, humility and pride. Through these encounters, Luke reveals the heart of Jesus' ministry: a ministry of grace, forgiveness, and restoration, extended to all who would believe. It is a chapter that challenges us to examine our own hearts, to recognize our need for forgiveness, and to respond with genuine love and gratitude to the One who has offered us salvation. The stories and teachings within Luke 7 continue to resonate today, offering hope and encouragement to all who seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.