Luke 7:1-17
7: After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
Reflection
Like many other healing stories in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), this event shows that God’s compassion and power have taken on flesh in the person of Jesus. God cares for people and has compassion on us as we live in this broken and sinful world; he cares about the things that affect our hearts and grieve us (1 Pet. 5:6–7). We also see that through Jesus, God can and does powerfully heal brokenness and sin (Luke 7:10, 14–15). Someday soon he will fully restore all things (1 Cor. 15:50–57).
God’s plan has always been to restore people from every tongue, tribe, and nation, which is evident as Jesus blesses the faith of the Roman soldier (Luke 7:9; Gal. 3:28; Rev. 5:9). The centurion serves as a model of what it looks like to respond correctly to the gospel: we should boldly trust and hope in Jesus’ power and compassion toward us.
Ephesians 5:15-21
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Reflection
Because we live in dark times, we need frequent reminders to wake up (Eph. 5:14) and to watch out (v. 15). This means we must discover what is pleasing to the Lord (v. 10) and walk in countercultural obedience to him: not unwise, but wise (v. 15); not foolish, but understanding (v. 17); not drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit (v. 18). The world wants to press us into its mold (Rom. 12:2), but we have been given a different pattern.
In verses 19–21 Paul explains the “filling” of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). To be under the sway of the Spirit (instead of intoxicated by strong drink) leads to speaking in song, singing in your heart, giving thanks to God, and submitting to your authorities out of reverence for Christ. Being “Spirit-filled” is here described as living a life marked by the ordinary and glorious fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22–23).
Psalm 72:13
13 He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy.
Jesus’ compassion for the centurion and his servant gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. Ask him to show you his compassion for those who do not yet know him, and pray that they would come to know the love and grace of Christ.