Morning reading: Luke 7

Luke 7 continues sharing stories about Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, while emphasizing the importance of faithfulness. In this chapter, we hear about six different events that show how people reacted to Jesus and His ministry.

In the first story, a generous centurion sends Jewish elders to ask Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith and heals the servant. Simon the Pharisee serves as a contrast, lacking faith and understanding of his own sin.

The second story features a powerless widow from Nain, whose dead son is raised to life by Jesus. The townspeople are amazed and give glory to God. We also hear about a sinful woman who shows great love and gratitude to Jesus.

The third story involves John the Baptist, who sends disciples to ask Jesus if He is the awaited Messiah. Jesus reassures John and fulfills Old Testament prophecies.

In the following story, Jesus talks about the different reactions people have towards John the Baptist and Himself. Some embrace the message, while others reject it based on their own self-righteousness.

The fifth story introduces another powerless woman, a sinful woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and perfume. Her act displays her love and faith in Jesus.

The chapter concludes with the faithless Simon the Pharisee, who fails to understand his own sin and Jesus’ true identity.

Throughout Luke 7, connections are made between Jesus and Old Testament prophets, highlighting Jesus as a prophet, healer, and minister to both Jews and Gentiles. This emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Jewish Scriptures and His intention to save both Jews and Gentiles.

Luke 7 1-10 stand out to me more. It shows us how to have strong faith and learn from Jesus’ own actions. This passage comes right after Jesus gives His disciples some instructions on how to follow Him. In Luke 6, Jesus gave them a guidebook on discipleship. Now, in Luke He shows them through His own life what it means to be a true disciple. He’s not just talking the talk, He’s walking the walk. That hit me hard.