Luke 7

Great Faith

Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

This was a sea coast town where he had called James and John to follow him.

Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
Luke 7:3 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.
Luke 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
Luke 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

The Centurion was a Roman soldier of high rank and of an excellent spirit. He loved his servant and wanted Jesus to heal him. He had faith in Jesus, which is the way of personal salvation. He was known for his good works, for he had helped build a synagogue, a meeting place for the Jews to worship. He was of good reputation within the community. It was said that he loved Israel which brought him God's blessings. Being a Roman and not a Jew, he had no legal access to ask Jesus a question, so sent Jewish elders to speak for him.

Luke 7:6 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:
Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

This time the Centurion sent friends to speak for him. Two more character traits of this great man, he was humble and he had faith that Jesus would heal the servant. The Pharisees were not as this man, they were the opposite, proud, judgmental, seeking to use their power to destroy Jesus. This man had faith in Jesus and he was a Gentile, not a Jew.

Luke 7:8 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.
Luke 7:9 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.

The Centurian knew authority, so many people do not accept authority. He knew that Jesus was greater and that at his word his servant would be healed. This is authority from God. Jesus was impressed. This man had greater faith than any in Israel.

Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

The servant was healed from afar, because the Centurian had faith in Jesus that he would heal him. That is faith. What is a faithful person? He loves others and cares for them. He does good works, loves God and Israel. He has a good report in his community. He has faith in Jesus and knows authority. He asks Jesus for something and knows that his request will be granted. Jesus is impressed with this kind of faith.

Dead man speaks

Luke 7:11 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.

The next day after the Centurion's servant was healed.

Luke 7:12 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.

A dead man, being carried in a funeral procession. The only son of a widow. The son would have helped the poor widow who had no resources of her own.

Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

He had compassion AND power from God. Weep not.

1 Pet 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Jesus was there, do not weep for he has power over death. He is the Lord of life.

Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

He spoke to the young man as he lie dead in the open coffin. The young man set up and began to speak "Hi mom," and he went to his mother. Amazing, many seek to be magicians empowered to do tricks but only God can give life. All other is of satan and will lead to destruction. Jesus is the power of God for life.

Luke 7:16 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.

Fear of God is a good thing. God is the power of life and death; eternal life or hell. Fear him, in great respect submit to him.

Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Eccl 12:13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Eccl 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Prophet in the flesh

Luke 7:18 And the disciples of John showed him of all these things.

They showed John who was in prison what Jesus was doing: the Centurions servant was healed and the dead man was raised to life. This should have encouraged this great prophet who had announced the coming of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

This is the one that John had said:

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.
John 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all.
John 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
John 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
John 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.

Luke 7:19 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?

Wow! How could this great prophet of God say this? A simple answer is that he himself was a man, not perfect who had doubts. One who had lived for years under the stars, living in the bright sun near the River Jordan, living off of the land. Being content in his calling. Now discouragement has set in. All was dark and he was in a filthy prison cell treated as an animal, because he spoke the truth. We can learn from this, that we too are flesh, subject to human emotions, but we must not forget the times when God spoke through us, first for salvation and then to follow him. John had spoken God's word, not his own. When we speak God's word, do we believe? Do we do what is says and above all have faith? John had lost the Spirit. Before Pentecost and the permanent giving of God's Spirit, the Spirit would come and go. John was in the flesh and in doubts when he asked this question.

Luke 7:20 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?
Luke 7:21 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.

Jesus was busy; healing, casting out demons, giving the blind sight. It is amazing that people still do not see when the Spirit of God is so evident. Jesus often was amazed at the lack of faith in his own disciples.

Luke 7:22 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.
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Jesus came to bless, but still there was and is unbelief. People get in their struggles with personal things, and loose sight of Jesus. Many are offended when we speak his name and his word. Atheists go to court to remove a cross from public land, they are offended in him. He cannot bless those who are offended with him with eternal life. John was confused, wanting to hear again the sweet words of Jesus, yes John, the very works that I do testify of me. Believe in me my friend. Keep believing and I will see you in Paradise.

Greatest Prophet

Luke 7:24 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?

What did they go into the desert to see? A reed shaken in the wind? Many seek nature to find God, but this was not their reason for coming to the desert.

Luke 7:25 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.

The world seeks the things that they value most. They often judge men by clothing and appearance, but this is not why they came to John who only wore camel hair clothing.

Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

A camel was used in a parable in judgment of the rich;

Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Also in reference to the Pharisees who opposed Jesus with their many little laws, while rejecting God's Son and truth.

Mat 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.
Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Mal 3:1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

Luke 7:28 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.

John the Baptist was given the highest praise. He was the greatest prophet, greater than Isaiah who gave us so much of God's word? Yes, greater because he gave us Jesus, the word in the flesh. He introduced Jesus to the world and prepared hearts to receive him. This now is the work of the Holy Spirit.

But he that is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he? John was still under the law, not born again of God's Spirit as are those in God's kingdom. Be assured that John now is in the kingdom, having believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior. No longer does he wear a camel hair cloak, but rather he has clean white linens, the righteousness received from Christ Jesus. We shall see John with Jesus and his beloved disciples. We are the beloved of our Lord, who trust in Jesus.

Too Proud for God?

Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

All the people and the Publicans, the tax collectors, justified God. They obeyed God and consented to his righteousness being baptized by John to show repentance for sins. The first step to God is repentance, realizing that God is above us and the judge or justifier of our lives we humble ourselves before him. The baptism of John was water baptism unto repentance. This did not remove sins nor was it salvation, but a cleansing and preparation for the one who would follow John. Jesus is the sin remover and the baptizer in the Holy Ghost unto eternal life.

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Who rejected God's counsel to repent and be baptized? The Pharisees and scribes, those who were responsible to God for the law. The law cannot save. Jesus saves by faith in him and through the grace of God.

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Why did they not obey God and be baptized? Perhaps because they were putting on a hypocritical show, pretending to be righteous. This story illustrates this:

Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican
Luke 18:11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.
Luke 18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

They were too proud to obey God and submit to God for baptizing. Contrast this to our Lord Jesus Christ who submitted to be baptized, but had no sin to repent of.

Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Jesus was not trying to look good, but he wanted to do all things good as our example. Are we too proud to obey God?

Kid Games

Luke 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?
Luke 7:32 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.

Men playing made up children's games. Do this, do that or you are not accepted by us. Jump when I say jump. It is time to cry, why are you not crying? This reminds me of when we say prayers for food. A young family member said; you don't have your eyes closed! Rules and games of men. Rules of Pharisees and scribes, rules of church denominations; man made rules.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

They judged John by their rules, not having God's discernment. We must be careful not to judge by impressions. Our impressions can be wrong.

John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.

God is the judge

Rom 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
Rom 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Luke 7:34 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!
Luke 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Again, you shall know them by their fruit.

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Most Beautiful Story

Luke 7:36 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.
Luke 7:37 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,

Jesus was an invited guest of the proud Pharisee, but another person has come, uninvited, and unwanted by the Pharisee. A sinner woman has entered with a valuable gift. This is the way of the Pharisees to judge sinners and to despise them. But, the woman came to see Jesus, she knew his reputation, and hoped that she might find favor with him.

Luke 7:38 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.

She stood behind Jesus, tears falling as a fountain from her eyes, the Spirit of God had brought her to Jesus. Perhaps she was Mary Magdalene from which was cast out many bad spirits? (Mark 16:9)

She knelt down with tears bathing the feet of Jesus. She humbled herself, showing great love and respect to him. She kissed his feet, wiping the tears from his feet with her long hair. She anointed his feet with the fragrant ointment of great price. She gave herself completely in love and gave a most valuable gift to the one that she saw was the love of God. She did this willingly, facing the opposition and scorn of the religious Pharisee, she focused all her hope, all she was before the one she adored, the one who gave her hope.

Luke 7:39 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.
Luke 7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Jesus knew the thoughts of the Pharisee and he knew the mind of God His Father, he speaks a parable:

Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.
Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Luke 7:44 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.

It was common courtesy for a servant to wash the feet of a guest entering the home. The Pharisee would not give Jesus even this basic service. He invited Jesus to dinner to find something to accuse him of. The Pharisees were envious of Jesus and sought to kill him.

Prov 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

Jesus points out the beautiful way this woman treated him, such love with an open show of giving of herself totally to his honor.

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

2 Cor 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

The woman supplied what was missing in hospitality, giving much more of herself then was expected from the Pharisee. The Spirit of God is the heart of God, the woman was sent by God's Spirit. The law can only point out sins, the Pharisee was a critical law person.

Luke 7:47 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.
Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Her sins were forgiven by the one who can forgive them. A beautiful story of a woman's love and sacrifice of worship being honored by our Lord.

Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Those at the dinner did not know who Jesus was. Who is this that forgives sins, can raise the dead, can heal all illnesses and cast out demons? Unbelief would accuse him, faith will receive him. The woman left pure and saved from sin and death; their sins remained. They had evidence, this testimony is our evidence. Receive the truth and trust in Jesus, the only one who can forgive our sins.

Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Faith in Jesus saves you from death and hell; receive what only Jesus can give, go in peace.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

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