
First is the Roman officer with the sick servant (v 1-10) then the raising of the widows son from the dead,(v 11-17). Next comes Jesus s discussion of John the Baptist ( v 18 through 35) and finally Jesus at dinner at the Pharisees house and the anointing of his feet by the "sinful" woman.
In the story of the Roman officer there are three things that stood out to me.
1. Intercessory prayer:
Luk 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this: Luk 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
2. The officers humility:
Luk 7:6 ...for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: Luk 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee:
3. The officers Faith:
Luk 7:7 ...but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
In the story of the widow three thing stood out to me here also.
1. The Lords heart:
Luk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her,...
2. The Lords action:
Luk 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. Luk 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
3. The crowds response:
Luk 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. Luk 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Next is the discussion of John the Baptist. Here many things stood out to me but I will pick three of the most important points:
1. Johns own doubt of Jesus :
Luk 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
2. Jesus comparison of the two ministry’s:
Luk 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. Luk 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
3.Gods result for both ministries:
Luk 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.
The chapter closes out with the story of the Pharisee and the Harlot. So many points are important in this story but I want us to see the Big picture in this chapter so I will pick a few:
1. Jesus was invited by a curious man:
Luk 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.
2. Jesus Compares the Harlot and the Pharisee's heart:
Luk 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
3. Jesus "saves" and blesses the woman:
Luk 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.
What is the Big picture here?
I would like to suggest that this chapter teaches us about many aspects of faith and Gods response to that faith. It teaches us about proper heart attitudes towards God and shows us Gods great Love for us.
For me personally, God has shown me a picture of my walk with Him and our interaction with each other and it's progression.
Read the chapter in it's entirety in one sitting ask God to show you what He wants you to learn from this chapter and what the big picture is; just what is in the Alabaster jar, then please share what He has taught you.
So what do you think?
Please comment.