Study 15 Luke 7:1-17

 The 2 miracles recorded today prepare the reader for the questions of John the Baptist in 7:18ff

10. Scripture records only two occasions where Jesus was 'amazed' (Mk 6:6, Lk 7:9). What was it about the centurion that amazed Jesus?

Scripture has a positive view of the character of centurions (Lk 23:47; Acts 10:22; 22:26; 23:17, 23; 24:23; 27:1, 43)

This particular individual:

• valued those under him (v.2)
  
• loved the nation and people he was occupying (v.5)
  
• showed that love by generously building the synagogue at Capernaum
• was humble ('worthy' vs 4 vs, 'not worthy' v.6). He sees Jesus as greater. He sent messengers (possibly changing his mind after asking Jesus to 'come' v. 3), described his own place in a heirarchy.

Matthew's account (8:5-13) seems to show that the centurion came personally to see Jesus, but it is likely that Matthew "gives the gist of the centurion’s communication to Jesus, whereas Luke in greater detail gives the actual sequence of events. Perhaps we can discern something of the differing purposes of the two Evangelists in their treatment of the messengers. Matthew was concerned primarily with the centurion’s faith and nationality; to him the messengers were irrelevant, even a distraction. But Luke was interested in the man’s character and specifically in his humility: to him the messengers were a vital part of the story." ...His words may imply that Jesus, like himself, drew his authority from a higher source (Morris)

Jesus was amazed at the man's faith - his trusting dependence on Jesus that all would be well. In response to this great faith Jesus did not even speak a word of healing to accomplish the answer to the man's requestw.

 

11. Why did Jesus raise the young man (see 7:13)?

 'Compassion'. In the absence of a male relative the woman had no financial support. Her family line would die out. This would have been appreciated by the townspeople ('a great crowd' v.11). Jesus interrupts the progression to the grave. As with touching the leper, His touching the corpse does not defile Him (cf. Nu 19:11. 16). "The Lord" is used by Luke here for the first time.

Does Jesus only help those who are worthy, or only those He happens to meet? God responds to faith, and God is compassionate when our needs are brought before Him. We are never 'worthy' by ourselves in such a way as to deserve His work. We always trust in His grace and goodness.

 

12. Jesus' good news is for 'the poor'. Who are the poor who receive Jesus' ministry in 7:1-10? in 7:11-17?

 The poor are those who cannot help themselves - they have no resources for their need. The centurion had lost his servant though he was rich. The widow had lost her son, and her future.

13. What is the "good news of the Kingdom" that Jesus brings to these people?

"I am here. I am enough". He does not teach directly about the Kingdom. He points to its reality and power in presenting Himself.

 

Compare Luke 7:1-17 to 1 Kings 17:9, 17-24. How did Jesus' act resemble Elijah's? Why do you think people responded as they did to Jesus' act (Lk 7:16)?

The Septuagint uses the same language of "gave him to his mother" in both miracles. Of the 3 recorded instance sof Jesus raising the dead, the raising of the widow of Nain's son is only recorded in Luke,  the raising of Lazarus only in John, and the raising of Jarius' daughter, in all 3 synoptics. This is likely the first time a miracle of this magnitude has occurred in Jesus' ministry.