Luke 7:1-17
Q.1. What did the centurion request from Jesus? Why was Jesus so impressed by him? – (Lk.7:1-10)
This Gentile centurion was truly a godly man. Unlike most people in authority, this leader was concerned about his slave (Lk.7:2-3). The Jewish leaders at Capernaum were grateful to this generous Gentile centurion. They pleaded with Jesus – He is worthy for You to grant this to him; for he loves our nation and it is he who built us our synagogue (Lk.7:4-5). Jesus would have been further impressed by the centurion’s humility in that he did not make his request directly. He also stated – I am not worthy for You to come under my roof (Lk.7:6). He was a wealthy man who had paid for the building of the synagogue. His own home would likely have been grand, housing all his servants. However, none of these things caused Jesus to commend him. Rather, Jesus drew attention to his faith – I say to you, not even in Israel have I found SUCH GREAT FAITH (Lk.7:9). What impressed Jesus was that the centurion had concluded that Jesus could save his slave, even by just saying the word – and his slave would be healed (Lk.7:6-7). He understood that if a mere man like him could command his soldiers to obey his commands because of Rome’s authority, then since Jesus was part of a much greater authority, word from Him was all was needed to heal this slave. And it was so (Lk.7:8 & 10).
Q.2. Why was Jesus touched by the widow? What did the raising of her son reveal about Jesus? – (Lk7:11-15)
Jesus was – accompanied by a large crowd (Lk.7:11). By comparison, there was just a – sizeable crowd from the city with her … the bereaved widow (Lk.7:12). The world’s important people usually do not notice the plight of the ordinary person … but not so Jesus – When the Lord saw her, He felt compassion for her, and said to her – ‘Do not weep’ (Lk.7:13). Jesus was always aware of what was going on around Him (Luke 8:43-46). Before long, Jesus had raised the widow’s son – and Jesus gave him back to his mother (Lk.7:15). We learn from this incident that Jesus is highly motivated to act by His compassionate nature. We also learn that Jesus has unlimited power … even the power to raise the dead. That is a huge comfort to us all, as we see the curse of sin bringing frailty, sickness, ageing, and death (c.f. Heb.2:14-15).
Q.3. How did the people respond to the resurrection power of Jesus? What made the people share the ministry of Jesus? – (Lk.7:16-17)
With the merging of two substantial crowds, this healing was bound to make a huge impact (Lk.6:11-12). The realization that they had seen the defeat of death by Jesus, gripped the crowd with fear (Lk.6:16). They acknowledged that – God has visited His people (Lk.7:16). The raising of a dead person was so incredible, that – … the report concerning Him went out over Judea and in all the surrounding district (Lk.7:17). We too should be glad to share the blessings of the Lord with others.