‏ Luke 7

The Healing of the Centurion's Servant.

This story of Jesus healing the centurion’s servant is also found in Matthew 8:5–13 ^a (Matthew 8:5 ^b). While Matthew says the centurion came to Jesus himself, Luke explains that the centurion sent Jewish elders and later friends to speak on his behalf. This difference shows that actions done through others can still be credited to the person who initiated them. This miracle happened in Capernaum, where Jesus performed many of his mighty works (Matthew 11:23 ^c). It demonstrates both Jesus’ power to heal and the centurion’s remarkable faith.

v. 2: The centurion had a servant who was very sick and about to die. This servant was dear to his master (Luke 7:2 ^d). The servant’s faithfulness and hard work had earned his master’s love and respect. This also shows the centurion’s kindness, as he valued and cared for his servant, which was not common among many masters at the time.

v. 3: When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant (Luke 7:3 ^e). This shows the centurion’s concern for his servant and his belief in Jesus’ power to heal. Today, we can also bring our needs to Jesus through prayer, trusting him as the great Physician.

v. 4–5: The Jewish elders pleaded earnestly with Jesus, saying the centurion was worthy of his help because he loved the Jewish nation and had built them a synagogue (Luke 7:4–5 ^f). This Gentile officer showed great respect for the Jewish people and their worship, which was unusual for someone in his position. His actions reflected his reverence for God and his desire to support the faith of Israel.

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v. 6: Jesus agreed to go with the elders to the centurion’s house (Luke 7:6 ^g). This shows Jesus’ willingness to help, even though the centurion was a Gentile. Jesus’ mission was not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles (Romans 3:29 ^h).

v. 6–7: As Jesus approached the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof (Luke 7:6–7 ⁱ). This shows the centurion’s humility. Despite his high rank, he recognized Jesus’ greatness and felt unworthy of such an honor. He also believed that Jesus could heal his servant without even entering his house.

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v. 8: The centurion explained his faith by comparing Jesus’ authority to his own. He said, 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 (Luke 7:8 ^j). Just as the centurion could command his soldiers, he believed Jesus could command sickness to leave. This showed his deep understanding of Jesus’ divine power.

v. 9: Jesus was amazed at the centurion’s faith and said to the crowd, I have not found such great faith even in Israel (Luke 7:9 ^k). This Gentile’s faith was greater than that of many Jews who had seen Jesus’ miracles. Jesus honored the centurion’s faith, showing that faith is more important than nationality or background.

v. 10: When the centurion’s friends returned to the house, they found the servant completely healed (Luke 7:10 ^l). This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ power to heal from a distance and his compassion for all people, including Gentiles and servants. It also foreshadows the faith that many Gentiles would later show when the gospel was preached to them.

The Widow of Nain.

This passage tells the story of Jesus raising a widow’s son from the dead in the town of Nain. Neither Matthew nor Mark recorded this event specifically, but Matthew does mention in general that Jesus raised the dead (Matthew 11:5 ^m). This miracle is special because it shows both Jesus’ compassion and his power over death. It happened right after Jesus healed the centurion’s servant.

v. 11: The miracle happened the day after Jesus healed the centurion’s servant. Jesus went to Nain, a small town near Capernaum, with his disciples and a large crowd (Luke 7:11 ⁿ). Jesus was always busy doing good and never wasted a day. Nain was probably the same as the city called Nais that ancient writers mentioned.

v. 12: As Jesus approached the gate of the city, he met a funeral procession. A young man had died and was being carried out to be buried. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow (Luke 7:12 ^o). Many people from the city were with her, sharing her deep sorrow. The loss was especially painful because she had already lost her husband, and now her only son was gone.

v. 13: When Jesus saw the widow, he felt deep compassion for her. No one asked him to help, but he was moved by her grief. He said to her, Weep not (Luke 7:13 ^p). Jesus often comforts those who mourn, and his love reaches out even when people do not ask. His compassion is a reason for hope to all who are in sorrow (Isaiah 63:9; Jeremiah 31:17 ^q; 1 Thessalonians 4:13 ^r).

v. 14: Jesus then touched the bier, and the people carrying it stopped. He spoke with authority: Young man, I say to you, arise (Luke 7:14 ^s). Although the young man was dead, Jesus’ words brought him back to life. This shows Jesus’ power over death itself (Job 33:24 ^t).

v. 15: Immediately, the young man sat up and began to speak. Jesus gave him back to his mother. Jesus did not use this miracle to show off, but to show mercy and restore happiness to the widow’s life. Every miracle of Jesus is an act of compassion and love.

v. 16: The people were filled with awe and glorified God. They said, A great prophet has risen among us and God has visited his people (Luke 7:16 ^u). They recognized that this miracle was a sign of God’s special care and presence.

v. 17: News of this miracle spread everywhere—in Judea and all the surrounding region (Luke 7:17 ^v). Many people heard the report, but not all believed or followed Jesus. Sometimes people hear about Jesus but do not allow his message to change their hearts.

v. 18: The disciples of John the Baptist brought news of these events to him while he was in prison (Luke 7:18 ^w). Even though John was in prison, God’s work continued, and Jesus’ miracles showed that the word of the Lord could not be stopped.

John’s Message to Jesus; The Ministry of John and of Christ

This section tells how John the Baptist, in prison, sent messengers to Jesus to ask if he was truly the Messiah. Jesus responds by pointing to his own works and the fulfillment of prophecy. He also honors John’s ministry and warns about the stubborn rejection of God’s message by many people of that generation.

v.19–20: John the Baptist, who was now in prison, sent two of his disciples to Jesus with an important question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” John wanted to be sure if Jesus was truly the promised Messiah. Even the greatest people of faith sometimes struggle with doubts, especially when their expectations don’t match what God is doing. Jesus did not criticize John for asking, but allowed his disciples to come and see for themselves (Matthew 11:2–3 ^x).

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v.21–22: While John’s messengers were with him, Jesus performed many miracles—healing diseases, casting out evil spirits, and giving sight to the blind. Then Jesus told them, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” These miracles matched the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah (Isaiah 35:5–6; 61:1 ^y). By pointing to his works, Jesus showed that he was fulfilling what God had promised, so people would know he was the Christ (Matthew 11:4–5 ^z).

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v.23: Jesus added, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” This was a gentle warning. Some people expected the Messiah to bring political power and glory, but Jesus’ ministry was humble, full of mercy, and focused on spiritual salvation. Those who trusted God’s plan, even when it was unexpected, would be blessed (Isaiah 8:14 ^aa).

v.24–27: After John’s messengers left, Jesus spoke to the crowd about John the Baptist. He asked them what they went out to see in the wilderness—a weak person, or a prophet? Jesus confirmed that John was a true prophet, and even more than a prophet. He was the messenger predicted in the Scriptures who would prepare the way for the Messiah (Malachi 3:1 ^ab). John’s life was marked by self-denial and faithfulness, not by seeking comfort or praise from people.

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v.28: Jesus said that among those born of women, there was no one greater than John. Yet, even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John. This means that the blessings and understanding that come through the gospel are even greater than what John had, because the kingdom of God is now revealed in Jesus.

v.29–30: The ordinary people and tax collectors who had been baptized by John acknowledged God’s justice. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they refused to be baptized by John. This shows that it is not enough to hear God’s message—we must also accept it and act on it.

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v.31–34: Jesus compared the people of that generation to children playing in the marketplace who complain no matter what game is played—they are never satisfied. When John came, living a strict and serious life, some said he was possessed by a demon. When Jesus came, eating and drinking with people, some called him a glutton and a friend of sinners. People found excuses to reject both John and Jesus, showing their stubbornness.

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v.35: But Jesus finished by saying, “Wisdom is justified by all her children.” In other words, God’s ways are proven right by those who accept and follow Him. The changed lives of those who repent and believe show that God’s wisdom is true and good.

Christ in the House of the Pharisee

This section describes an event where Jesus is invited to eat at the home of a Pharisee named Simon. During the meal, a woman known as a sinner comes in, weeping, and anoints Jesus' feet with her tears and ointment. The account shows the deep love and gratitude that comes from being forgiven, contrasts proud self-righteousness with humble repentance, and teaches that God welcomes and forgives those who truly seek him, no matter their past.

v. 36: Jesus accepts an invitation to eat at a Pharisee’s house. Although the Pharisee, Simon, does not yet believe in Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus goes anyway, showing that he is willing to reach out to everyone, whether they love him or are skeptical. He takes the opportunity to teach an important lesson about forgiveness and love.

v. 37–38: A woman from the city, known as a sinner (probably someone with a bad reputation), comes to the house. She brings an expensive jar of ointment and, weeping, washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and pours the ointment on them. Her actions show deep humility, sorrow for her sins, and love for Jesus. She does not care what others think—she just wants to show her gratitude to Jesus for forgiving her.

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v. 39: Simon the Pharisee sees this and thinks to himself, “If Jesus were really a prophet, he would know who this woman is and would not let her touch him.” Simon judges both the woman and Jesus, showing his self-righteous attitude and lack of compassion. He cannot see the woman’s repentance or Jesus’ mission to save sinners.

v. 40–43: Jesus, knowing Simon’s thoughts, tells a parable about two debtors: one owes a little, the other owes much. Both debts are canceled. Jesus asks Simon which debtor will love the lender more. Simon answers, “The one who had the bigger debt canceled.” Jesus agrees, showing that those who are forgiven much, love much.

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v. 44–46: Jesus turns to the woman and compares her actions with Simon’s. Simon did not offer Jesus water for his feet, a kiss, or oil for his head—common signs of respect for guests. But the woman washed Jesus’ feet with her tears, kissed them, and anointed them with ointment. Jesus points out that her actions come from great love and humble repentance, while Simon’s lack of hospitality shows a proud heart.

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v. 47: Jesus declares that the woman’s many sins are forgiven, and that is why she loves so much. He explains that those who see themselves as having little to be forgiven will love little. Jesus shows that true love for God grows out of recognizing how much we need his forgiveness.

v. 48–50: Jesus tells the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other guests wonder, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” Jesus says to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is available to all who come to him with repentance and faith, no matter how great their sins. True peace comes from knowing you are forgiven by God.