Luke Chapter 7: Advent

Luke 7 offers some very fascinating tidbits as Jesus’ ministry progresses. The chapter begins with a story of Jesus performing a miracle for someone not just of the Jewish faith, but someone who locals probably held with contempt. As the chapter moves along, we another miraculous event that shows Jesus’ magnificent power, but also serves as a sort of foreshadowing for the ultimate purpose of His presence on earth. Pressing onward, we get another episode that provides a contrast between Jesus and John the Baptist. I hope you are picking up on the importance of these nuggets as they point us to God’s heart. Then, as though Luke is really trying to hammer home a point, he gives us an interaction where we see Jesus put his passion into action.

As you read, pay special attention to the way Luke weaves Jesus’ miracles and teaching together. He is deliberately showing us the role of the Messiah, but it was not yet clear to those on His journey. Consider you are either one of the individuals who interact with Jesus in chapter 7 or a direct observer to what happened. A major paradigm shift is on the way that will change everything!

You can read today’s chapter by clicking here.

Reflection Questions:

1. Consider the faith of the Roman Centurion. What is Luke conveying to his readers by including this story?
2. Revisit verse 7. Can you relate? Imagine you heard Jesus’ words as recorded in verse 9. Consider and describe the kind of faith that would amaze someone who already knows everything. What is it about this expression of faith that struck Jesus so significantly?
3. Why did Jesus raise the widow’s son? Why do you think we get this story right after the one of Jesus healing the Centurion’s servant?
4. The section beginning with verse 18 brings John the Baptist back into view. Why did John ask what he did as recorded in verse 19? Hasn’t this already been settled? I also want you to reflect on the very beginning of this Gospel when we read about Mary, Elizabeth, and Zechariah. What are we to glean from John’s question?
5. We get another dynamic contrast between Jesus and John the Baptist. What do you think of Jesus’ statements about John in this entire section? Is there anything that strikes you as unique, odd, or beautiful?
6. What risk was the “sinful woman” taking in coming to see Jesus at Simon the Pharisee’s home?
7. What was Jesus’ purpose in telling the parable we read in verses 41-43?
8. Who do you think Jesus was inferring to be the greater sinner using the parable to cast a light on the gathering? Look at verse 47.
9. What do you think about the messages Luke is conveying in chapter 7? They are significant
10. How do you read this chapter in light of your faith? Is it comforting or challenging to you?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you so dearly for the ministry of your Son and my Savior, Jesus. Forgive me the times, many though they may be, where I miss the point of your walking on earth among us. Help me to not just catch the meaning, but share the majesty of who you and, what you did, and why you did it. Whether I am like the Centurion outside of the faith, someone stuck in a season of crippling grief, myself finding new life after a period of spiritual darkness, someone still trying to make sense of everything that has happened, or a sinner either by my actions or judgments, I know I want to be more like you. May I seek that primarily as I approach this year’s celebration of your birth and look forward with great expectation to your return. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.