LUKE 7
In this episode, an honest fighting man, in charge of around eighty men, seems to grasp the ways of God more quickly than some of God’s own people! Whereas they approach Jesus and ask him to help the centurion on the grounds that “…he has built our synagogue” (v5), he realises that it is mercy rather than a reward that he needs. He also understands the concept of ‘chain of command’: Jesus is under the authority of his Heavenly Father, whilst on earth, and because of his willing submission, he is given authority over all creation. Interestingly, here in Luke, it is the Jewish elders and then the Centurion’s friends who convey those two messages to Jesus, whereas in Matthew 8, it appears to report the story as though the Centurion were there in front of Jesus. Regardless, his friends were clearly representing him in any case.
The centurion draws an analogy with his own position in the army, knowing that he only carries authority if he continues to submit to Caesar. Such a clear grasp of the situation also draws a gasp of amazement from Jesus, who is astounded by such a huge measure of faith in a man. This is one of only two recorded occasions when Jesus is ‘amazed’ (see also Mark 6:6) and demonstrates that he had ‘put aside’ his divine omniscience and had chosen to walk with the Holy Spirit – as we all should.
Only in Luke’s gospel do we read about the widow’s dead son at Nain. It did seem that Jesus could not walk near a dead body without bringing it back to life! Compassion for the poor widow – totally alone in the world now – mixed with the sheer life of God that was in him, resulted in an awesome resurrection of her boy that brought such glory to God. And we are called to do greater things than these!
John the Baptist just wanted to check: “You are the Messiah, aren’t you?” “Look around you”, laughed Jesus, “…no more blindness, no more lameness, no more leprosy, no more deafness, no more death – and plenty of hope! What do you think?” John was the greatest Old Covenant prophet, but his powers were no match for the power of the Kingdom under the New Covenant.
Only in Luke 7:29-30 does it say explicitly that be baptised by John the Baptist was a prerequisite to receiving salvation from Jesus. John’s baptism was one of repentance – itself a requirement to calling upon Jesus in faith.
In each gospel there is a story of a woman who poured expensive perfume over Jesus at a private dinner party (Matt 26; Mark 14; Luke 7; and John 12). But Luke’s story is different! It occurred at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry; it involved a woman of sinful repute, rather than a godly lady like Mary. Jesus was criticised for apparently not realising this woman’s sinfulness; and then he recognised her great love for him and forgave her. (In the other three gospels, a reputable lady is criticised for ‘wasting’ expensive perfume on Jesus, but Jesus commends her). He or she who has been forgiven much will love much!
How many sinners have wept over us recently? How many of them have spent a small fortune on a gift for us, just because they have seen God at work in our hearts. And do we attract sinners by our goodness?
The Big Picture 