• The BaptistWay lesson for Dec. 8 focuses on Luke 7:1-17.
A turning point
The beginning of Luke 7 marks a transition in Jesus’ ministry. By this point, he had become well known through his initial miracles, teaching and the calling of the disciples. The heart of his mission and identity begin to spill forth through continued miraculous acts and association with unlikely people. We will see this happen in our text through two episodes—one involving a Roman centurion and another with a widow.
The centurion (7:1-10)
This episode is the first instance of many in Luke where Jesus demonstrates grace toward a Gentile. There is much that is interesting regarding the way Luke portrays this particular Gentile: (1) He loved Israel and helped build a local synagogue (v. 5), (2) he is humble (v. 6), (3) he has great faith (v. 7). This portrayal undoubtedly plays a role in Luke’s presentation of the gospel of Jesus as inclusive. If a Gentile is able to demonstrate love toward the people of God—as well as humility and faith—then certainly he can be saved through God’s grace.
Luke is a master at helping us recognize common humanity in the face of those who could be seen as less-than-human by God’s people. As a fan of the Superman mythology, I watched every episode of Smallville, a television series that ran 10 seasons and served as a prequel to the common story portrayed in comic books, movies and other television series.
The drama followed Clark Kent as he discovered his super powers and his unfolding destiny. At the beginning of the series, no one was privy to his special status except Clark and his parents. As storylines progressed, several characters uncovered his secret. Upon every incident, Clark fretted as to what they might think or say, assuming he would be considered an abnormal outcast. On the contrary, nearly every individual responded favorably and expressed joy and excitement.
Part of the reason people could accept Clark for who he was had to do with the fact they already had spent time with him and gotten to know him. He was not just an alien with super powers. He was a unique individual known for his work ethic, thoughtfulness and genuine personality.
The centurion in Luke was thought of in a similar manner. Jesus begins teaching about the good news he came to bring all people by starting with this one who was different but already accepted. Jesus heals his son out of the insistence of the crowd and the faith and humility he demonstrated. As Jesus’ ministry progresses, so will the way he ministers, and some will find it hard to accept.
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The widow (7:11-17)
Jesus takes it up a notch in his next miracle involving a dead body. This took place in the town of Nain (v. 11), which would not have been more than a day’s trip from Capernaum. It is likely some who saw his previous miracle continued to follow him, hoping to witness more. Perhaps it is not by accident that Jesus performs this miracle in a town that lay on the other side of the Hill of Moreh from Shunem, where Elisha raised the son of the Shunammite woman.
The procession was on its way toward the place of burial (v. 12) when it met Jesus. This time, there is no insistence from the crowd that Jesus do anything miraculous—proof they really had not recognized the extent of his power or the source of it. In an incredible line that demonstrates great compassion, Luke tells us Jesus’ heart went out to the mother of the deceased, who was also a widow. Without a male in her life, she probably would become destitute, since she would be unable to make a living.
Redeeming injustices
Jesus often is moved by things others find commonplace. He came to redeem the injustices you and I have come to accept. It’s tempting to tell ourselves: “There is nothing I can do,” or “That is just the way things are.” It some cases—such as an untimely death—statements like this may be true. Other times, this is simply the most convenient disposition to take during tough circumstances.
Jesus had no concern about convenience, as he willingly risked ritual defilement when he reached out and touched the coffin (v. 14). We can only imagine the thoughts of the pallbearers as they stopped. Jesus then did what would seem useless—he spoke to a dead person. On the young man’s return to life, Jesus gave him back to his mother (v. 15). The message preached through his actions is bigger than his ability to heal, but extends to his purpose behind healing. It was not for the sake of the dead person that Jesus brought him back to life, but for the sake of one who would be lost without him.
Jesus came for lost people. Even though this fact is presented throughout the Gospels in various ways, we still get mad, frustrated, depressed and confused when life does not cater to us.
Does the reason Jesus came matter to you? How can you demonstrate this with the way you live?
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