Lucas 7
Steven Cole · Citado em PreceptAustin
Lucas 7
Cole - If I were considering a man for a staff position at the church and he presented a letter of commendation from a respected Christian leader, it would be a strong point in his favor. But if the Lord Jesus Himself commended the man, I would do well to take note. He will be an effective servant of Christ and I can learn much from his faith. Only twice in the gospels does Christ commend a person for great faith-the Syrophoenician woman (Matt. 15:28), and this centurion we meet in our text. Both are Gentiles; one is a woman, the other a man. It is as if the Lord is saying, “The way of faith is open to people of all nationalities, male or female.” The faith that pleases God is not an exclusive thing reserved for the religious crowd. Any and all can lay hold of God by faith. This centurion is a model of effective Christian service. Though he was a man in authority over 100 soldiers, he became a servant to his own servant by calling Jesus to heal him. As such, he is a picture of serving the Lord Jesus by reaching out to those in need, who may be lowly and despised by others. He was the channel through which Christ’s power flowed to this dying boy. Although the centurion was in the military, which is not known as a seedbed for piety, he had great faith. It is interesting that every centurion mentioned in the New Testament is presented in a favorable light. This man shows us that we can serve Christ in any “secular” job. The centurion lived in Capernaum, which Jesus later castigated for its lack of faith (Luke 10:15), but he was not affected by their unbelief. This shows us that we can be godly people in the midst of an evil, unbelieving world. Wherever you are and whatever you do, this centurion shows you how to be an effective servant of Christ. He possesses three qualifications that every servant of Jesus Christ must seek to develop in his or her life: An effective servant of Christ needs an exalted view of Jesus, a lowly view of himself, and a caring view of others. (Luke 7:1-10 An Effective Servant) Norman Geisler - Is there a mistake in the accounts concerning Jesus and the centurion? PROBLEM: Matthew seems to present the centurion as the one who seeks the help of Jesus (Matt. 8:5); but, Luke seems to say that the centurion sent elders to see Jesus (Luke 7:3). Also, Matthew appears to say that the centurion himself comes to talk with Jesus. However, in Luke, the Bible says only the centurion’s representatives saw Jesus. SOLUTION: Both Matthew and Luke are correct. In the 1st century, it was understood that when a representative was sent to speak for his master, it was as if the master was speaking himself. Even in our day this is still the case. When the Secretary of State meets individuals from other countries, he goes out in the name of the president of the United States. In other words, what he says, the president says. Therefore, Matthew states that a centurion came entreating Jesus about his sick slave, when in fact the centurion sent others on his behalf. So, when Matthew declares that the centurion was speaking, this was true, even though he was (as Luke indicated) speaking through his official representative. (When Critics Ask) Rod Mattoon adds - When you compare Matthew's account of the healing of the centurion's servant with Luke's account of the same miracle, an apparent discrepancy quickly arrests the reader's attention. Matthew's account says the centurion himself came to Christ on behalf of his sick servant, but Luke's account says the centurion sent some "elders of the Jews" to speak with Christ about the sick servant and then later, sent some of his "friends" to Christ to tell Christ that He did not need to come to the centurion's house, but only needed to speak the word for the healing. The best solution to this problem of whether the centurion went himself to Christ or sent others to Him, is to remember that sometimes we speak of a person doing something when he actually did it through someone else. Scripture says Solomon built the Temple in 1 Kings 6:14, but we know that he did not actually build the Temple himself but ordered the Temple built and provided for the material and financial needs. Qualified craftsmen and builders built the Temple. Pilate is said to have scourged Jesus in Matthew 27:26, but it was Roman soldiers who did the actual scourging. They simply did it at Pilate's orders. And in our text, the centurion is said to have built the Jews a synagogue, when we know he did not actually build the building himself, but simply provided the finances to make it possible. Matthew's account of the miracle is simply an abbreviation of Luke's account and so it says that the centurion himself communicated with Christ. It is acceptable language which is commonly used even in our day.(Treasures from the Scriptures) James Smith - The Roman Officer and his Slave. "Who was dear (precious) to Him" (Luke 7:2). Introduction. This is a charming incident in the life of our Lord. And it conveys an important lesson, especially as a study in contrast. This was most unusual conduct on the part of a master. It is not often that a master will put himself to inconvenience these days for a sick servant, and was most unusual in those distant days. Then, they got all they could out of the servant, and when of no further use, cast them off as a piece of orange peel. Then remember that the master was a proud Roman officer. Note the trouble he took for this poor sick slave. He first sent a deputation of Jewish Elders (verse 3); he then sent some friends of his own (verse 6); and, finally, he was so concerned that he came himself (study Matthew 8:5-13). This last step was most certainly a wise thing for him to do. It certainly is good to get other people to go to God for us, but that is not sufficient unless we go to Him for ourselves. WHY DID HE DO THIS? 1. Not from a mere sense of duty. For no one felt it to be their duty in those days. There was no public conscience on matters of this sort. 2. It was not out of fear for a Coroner's Inquest, for there were none then, so cheap was human life. 3. It was love that moved him. NO DOUBT ABOUT HIS LOVE. Why is there no doubt that the Roman officer loved his servant? 1. The way he acted emphatically proved this. 2. But the way he referred to his servant spoke volumes about his love. The beauty of the original is hidden in the A.V. The elders asked the Lord to heal the Centurion's slave; but the friends of the Roman officer took a direct message, which by and bye he himself supported, calling the sick slave, "My child." He does not use the rough word which implies a bondslave, but a term of endearment. This is brought out in the various renderings. "My young man," is the Weymouth rendering; "My boy," is the R.V.; and "My child," is Bullinger's rendering. This is delightful. Love betrays itself not only in conduct, but also in words, yea, in tone also. A MORE REMARKABLE FACT. But there is a more remarkable fact still, and that is that God has, and does, put Himself about for us. More, He did not send a deputation, but came Himself. And He came to be a man and die. There is no doubt at all about His love— His works and His words all proclaim this. And God's treatment of us in such a gracious manner is more remarkable. And for the following reasons: I. This Servant was Deserving of such Attention. Whereas we are not. There is no doubt that the Centurion loved him because he was worthy of that love; yea, that he had merited that love. It is generally understood that he had, at the risk of his own life, saved the life of his master. No wonder then that he was loved, when his master owed life itself to his slave. But what about ourselves? Have we done anything notable for God? Why, the very opposite. We are, by nature, "enemies of God by wicked works," as the Bible declares. Yet, though utterly undeserving, we are dear to Him. II. He was his Master's own Slave, whereas we Belong to Another. For the Centurion to put himself about concerning this servant really was not so very wonderful when considered from our standpoint, for was he not caring for his own property. Things are different with us, for we are the slaves of another, the enemy of God. Yet,"though the slave of another, God loves us. III. He was Dying, whereas we are Dead. That makes a tremendous difference. Whilst there's life, there's hope, we say; in our case we are lifeless, so far as spiritual life is concerned. IV. He was Helpless, and so are We. And, as in his case, Another is, and has, interested Himself in us. See what He has already done on our behalf—sent His Son to die for us; bestowed the Holy Ghost to convict, woo, and win us; and given us a wonderful Book for our guidance and learning. Is He Dear to You? You are dear to Him! It was the sickness of this servant that brought his master into contact with the Lord on His behalf. Surely you won't wait until sickness drives you to Him? Luke 7:3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders asking Him to come and save the life of his slave. CSB When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to Him, requesting Him to come and save the life of his slave. KJV And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant. Lk 8:41; 9:38; Matthew 8:5; John 4:47; Philemon 1:10 Luke 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 7:1-10 An Effective Servant - Steven Cole Luke 7:2-9 The Man Who Amazed Jesus, Part 2 - John MacArthur Parallel Passage - Matthew 8:5+ - And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him, When he heard about Jesus - Jesus' reputation was clearly spreading even without Twitter! Carson has an interesting comment that "Conceivably it was the earlier healing of an official’s son (John 4:46-50+) that strengthened the centurion’s faith in this instance." Undoubtedly he had heard about this Man Jesus Who was able to cast out demons with just a word, giving the demons a command to come out (Lk 4:35+) which they promptly obeyed (Lk 4:36+). This in fact could explain the centurion's words in Luke 7:7 just "say the word, and my servant will be healed." He sent (apostello) some Jewish elders (presbuteros) asking (erotao) Him to come and save the life (diasozo) of his slave (doulos)-Sent means to send someone to carry out a task with the authority of the one sending. This is an amazing statement that Jews (even leaders) would be willing to aid a Roman, for the Jews normally hated the Romans for occupying their nation! Clearly this centurion was different than many of his fellow Romans. The verb Luke uses for save is a derivative of sozo, the verb he uses in Luke 7:50+#7:50 where Jesus told the woman "Your faith has saved (sozo) you; go in peace.”
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Cole says "The centurion had an exalted view of the Lord Jesus Christ and of His authority over this hopeless disease: “... just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Lk 7:7). The centurion understood the principle of authority. He knew what it meant to speak and to have his words obeyed. But he knew that his servant’s desperate condition was beyond the realm of his authority. He needed to go to the One in authority over all creation. He recognizes Jesus to be that One. He even knew that Jesus did not need to come and physically lay hands on his servant. The Lord of Creation, who spoke the universe into existence, simply had to speak the word and his servant would be healed. That is an exalted view of Jesus Christ!" (Luke 7:1-10 An Effective Servant) It is interesting that Luke doesn't even give us the word Jesus spoke! THOUGHT - Even as Jesus healed by His Word in this story, every one of us have been healed by that same Word! Here Jesus heals with a word. With the widow's dead son He heals with a touch and a word. Note the progression on Luke 7 - healing a slave, raising a dead son (Lk 7:14-15), saving a sinner (Lk 7:50). Rod Mattoon - The officer had so much confidence or faith in Christ's power and ability that he told Jesus, "Just say the word and he will be healed. Just as I have authority to command others and they obey, you have authority to command and it will come to pass." This was the sentiment of the centurion. He had risen above the need of an outward sign, such as a touch or even the sound of a living voice. He needed no contact with the fringe of the Master's garment, asked for no handkerchief or an apron that had touched His person. The word the Master would speak would be enough. He totally delegated the problem and the need of his servant to the Lord Jesus and was confident that Christ would take care of the matter. Do you have that kind of confidence?(Treasures from the Scriptures) J C
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Cole asks "Where did the centurion get this faith? Scripture teaches that faith is the gift of God (Eph. 2:8, 9); but also, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word concerning Christ” (Ro 10:17). God imparts faith through the hearing of the Word about who Jesus is. We read (Luke 7:3), the centurion “heard about Jesus.” It is only a speculation, but I think that this centurion may have heard about Christ from the nobleman in Capernaum whose son Jesus healed (John 4:46-54). Both men were in government service. Jesus healed the nobleman’s son at a distance, which would have encouraged the centurion to believe that Jesus could do the same with his servant. At any rate, he heard of Christ and he believed. If we want to be more effective servants of Christ, we need to ask God to show us through His Word a more exalted view of the Lord Jesus. And, we need to direct others into the Word and pray that God will open their eyes to the glory of the exalted Savior." (Luke 7:1-10 An Effective Servant) R C H
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Cole applies the fact that the slave was in good health - "The miracles are pictures of spiritual truth. Christ’s power in healing this dying servant is a picture of His power to save those who are perishing in their sin. The message is clear: the power of salvation lies with the Savior, not with the sinner. All too often, I fear, we think, “I wish the Lord would save this person, but, after all, it’s up to the person’s free will.” But if salvation were up to the sinner’s free will, no one would be saved, because the sinner is spiritually dead. But if, as the Bible teaches, salvation is of the Lord, then we can pray in faith, “Lord, speak the word and impart new life to this sinner,” and know that He can do it. The effective servant believes in an exalted Lord who is mighty to save those who cannot do anything to save themselves. (Luke 7:1-10 An Effective Servant) Lowell
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Cole writes "Jesus’ words, “Do not weep,” would have been insensitive if He had not been able to do something about her problem. Christ never calls upon people to stop their tears when those tears are wholesome. But in this instance, He is lovingly calling upon this woman for a spark of trust in Himself. He is tenderly saying, “Look to Me! I can do something about the cause of your grief.” If we want to be effective witnesses for Christ, then we must ask Him to deepen our compassion for the lost. It has truly been said that people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. When we show people the compassion of Christ, it often opens their hearts to hear the truth of the gospel. THOUGHT - Looking at this scene from another vantage point, Jesus' command to stop weeping would not have been an easy command for a grieving mother. Indeed, Jesus does give us commands which at times seem very difficult (like forgive a person who has wronged you, etc), and yet we need to remember that His commandments always His enablement. What we must do on our part is to trust His Word. None of us have scored 100% on the "Trust Test" but each difficult command is an opportunity to practice our trust in His sufficiency and His trustworthiness! He is able! He felt compassion (4697)(splanchnizomai from splagchnon = bowel, viscera - see splagchnon note below) means to experience a deep visceral feeling for someone, to feel compassion for, to feel sympathy, to take pity on someone. Compassion is the sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it. This verb expresses an outward flow of one's life in contrast to our natural tendency toward self centeredness. It is related to the noun splanchna, "inner parts of the body," which were considered the seat of the emotions, used 10x (Luke 1:78; 2 Cor. 6:12; 7:15; Phil. 1:8; 2:1; Col. 3:12; Phile. 7, 12, 20; 1 John 3:17). It is notable that 8/12 NT uses describe this deep seated emotion in Jesus. It follows that if we desire to imitate Jesus, we need to be men and women of deep compassion! Matt. 9:36; Matt. 14:14; Matt. 15:32; Matt. 18:27; Matt. 20:34; Mk. 1:41; Mk. 6:34; Mk. 8:2; Mk. 9:22; Lk. 7:13; Lk. 10:33; Lk. 15:20 Do not weep (present imperative with a negative = Cease weeping)(2799)(klaio) means to mourn, to weep, to lament or to wail with emphasis upon noise accompanying weeping. It expresses one’s immediate and outward reaction to suffering and denotes the loud wailing or lamenting typical of 1st century Jewish mourning. The picture is of one lamenting with sobs or wailing aloud and was used to describe the wailing that took place when someone died. Weeping thus was a sign of the pain and grief for the entity or person being wept over (See all verses and note who wept and over what/who?) Klaio implies not only the shedding of tears, but also external expression of grief. It was a term frequently used to describe the actions of professional mourners. Klaio - 39x in 33v - Matt. 26:75; Mk. 5:38; Mk. 5:39; Mk. 14:72; Mk. 16:10; Lk. 6:21; Lk. 6:25; Lk. 7:13; Lk. 7:32; Lk. 7:38; Lk. 8:52; Lk. 19:41; Lk. 22:62; Lk. 23:28; Jn. 11:31; Jn. 11:33; Jn. 16:20; Jn. 20:11; Jn. 20:13; Jn. 20:15; Acts 9:39; Acts 21:13; Rom. 12:15; 1 Co. 7:30; Phil. 3:18; Jas. 4:9; Jas. 5:1; Rev. 5:4; Rev. 5:5; Rev. 18:9; Rev. 18:11; Rev. 18:15; Rev. 18:19 QUESTION - What does the Bible say about compassion? ANSWER - The Hebrew and Greek words translated “compassion” in the Bible mean “to have mercy, to feel sympathy and to have pity.” We know that, according to the Bible, God is “a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15). Like all of God’s attributes, His compassion is infinite and eternal. His compassions never fail; they are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). Jesus Christ, the Son of God, exemplified all of the Father’s attributes, including His compassion. When Jesus saw His friends weeping at the grave of Lazarus, He felt compassion for them and wept alongside them (John 11:33-35). Moved with compassion for the suffering of others, Jesus healed the large crowds who came to Him (Matthew 14:14), as well as individuals who sought His healing (Mark 1:40-41). When He saw the large crowds as sheep without a shepherd, His compassion led Him to teach them the things the false shepherds of Israel had abandoned. The priests and scribes were proud and corrupt; they despised the common people and neglected them, but Jesus had compassion on them, and He taught and loved them. When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus responded that it is to love God with all our heart, mind and strength. But He added that the second commandment “is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:34-40). The Pharisee had asked Him which single command of God is the greatest, but Jesus provided two, stating not only what we are to do, but also how to do it. To love our neighbor as ourselves is the natural result of our loving devotion toward God. 1 John 3:17 asks, “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” Originally made in His image, man is to exemplify God’s traits, including compassion. From this it follows that “If anyone says, ‘I love God’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen” (1 John 4:20). The Bible is clear that compassion is an attribute of God and of God’s people as well.GotQuestions.org Related Resources: What are some Bible verses about compassion? | GotQuestions.org What are some Bible verses about compassion? | GotQuestions.org Does God have emotions? | GotQuestions.org Jesus wept - why did Jesus weep? | GotQuestions.org? J C
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Cole observes that "Unlike the centurion in the miracle just preceding (7:4), no one said to Jesus, “This woman is worthy for you to grant this to her.” She did not even ask the Lord to do it. There is no trace of faith or expectation on her part. And there was nothing in the dead young man to merit this miracle. Jesus didn’t say, “What a good looking corpse! I’ve never seen such a fine corpse! I’m going to raise him from the dead.” I don’t care how nicely you dress them up, corpses do not have any merit. This miracle came totally from Christ’s great compassion and love. It was all of grace.....Christ performed His miracles in a variety of ways. It is significant, therefore, that each time He raised the dead, He did it the same way: by speaking to the dead person and calling him or her back to life. It was His bare word that quickened the dead. There is great power in God’s word. He spoke the universe into existence through His word. The centurion said to Jesus, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed” (Heb 7:7). We have in the Scriptures that same powerful Word, “living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Isaiah 55:10-11 promises, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” And the bearers (bastazo) came to a halt. And He said, "Young man, I say to you, arise (egeiro)!"
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Cole applies this section - Whenever Christ imparts new life to dead sinners, there will be powerful effects upon the observers. This is especially the case when the dead sinner really looked dead (when he wasn’t all dressed up in good works before). The genuine conversion of a drunkard or drug addict or immoral person or criminal can have a great impact for Jesus Christ. People cannot deny the transformation. They must acknowledge the reality of God. I would add in this connection that it is important for those who have been raised from the dead to live like it so that the name of Christ is not scoffed at through your poor testimony. It is a mistake to parade new believers in front of crowds before they have learned to walk in a manner pleasing to the Lord. Charles Gabriel expressed his amazement for the Lord Jesus Christ in a song he wrote. I stand amazed in the presence Of Jesus the Nazarene And I wonder how He could love me, A sinner condemned, unclean. How marvelous, how wonderful And my song shall ever be. How marvelous, how wonderful Is my Savior's love for me. Rod Mattoon - When we take a good look at our Lord Jesus Christ, He is truly amazing. There is no getting around it. What a wonderful Man and Lord! I'm amazed at His Love, that He, who is the Altogether Lovely One, would love even those who pierced His gentle hands and feet with corroded iron spikes like a seamstress that punctures a pin cushion. (Treasures from the Scriptures) Gripped (2983)(lambano) means to take or grasp, so figuratively they were taken by fear. Fear (5401)(phobos) in this context seems to be a mixture of dread/alarm and reverence/awe (cf "began glorifying God"). Began glorifying (1392)(doxazo) means to to praise, honor or magnify (Mt 5:16; 6:2; Lk 5:25f; Ac 11:18; Ro 11:13; 1 Cor 12:26; 1 Pt 4:16) Doxazo is Imperfect active, inchoative, began and increased. Doxazo in Luke and Acts - Lk. 2:20; Lk. 4:15; Lk. 5:25; Lk. 5:26; Lk. 7:16; Lk. 13:13; Lk. 17:15; Lk. 18:43; Lk. 23:47; Jn. 7:39; Acts 3:13; Acts 4:21; Acts 11:18; Acts 13:48; Acts 21:20; Arisen (1453) egeiro means to rise (stand up) from a sitting or lying position (Mt 8:26, 9:5), to awaken from sleep (Mt 8:25), figuratively to "awaken" from death (rise up). Egeiro was used literally also to raise up or lift up a person either sitting or lying down. Figuratively egeiro was used to "raise up" a person from illness, thus restoring them to health. Figuratively as used in Romans 4:24, egeiro describes the bringing back of Jesus from the dead and thus raising Him or causing Him to rise. The idea of wake up from death is conveyed by egeiro because sleep was used as metaphor of death for believers (there is however no "soul sleep"). To raise up to a position as was David in Acts 13:22 (referring to his "promotion" to king). Egeiro in Luke and Acts - Lk. 1:69 = "has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of David His servant"; Lk. 3:8; Lk. 5:23; Lk. 5:24; Lk. 6:8; Lk. 7:14; Lk. 7:16; Lk. 7:22; Lk. 8:54; Lk. 9:7; Lk. 9:22; Lk. 11:8; Lk. 11:31; Lk. 13:25; Lk. 20:37; Lk. 21:10; Lk. 24:6; Lk. 24:34; Acts 3:7; Acts 3:15; Acts 4:10; Acts 5:30; Acts 9:8; Acts 10:26; Acts 10:40; Acts 12:7; Acts 13:22; Acts 13:30; Acts 13:37; Acts 26:8 Visited (concerned about) (1980)(episkeptomai see study of episkopeo from epí = upon or intensifying already existing idea in verb + skopeo = regard, give attention to, look at, contemplate) literally means to look upon, to go to see, to examine closely, to inspect, to examine the state of affairs of something, to look after or to oversee. The idea of visiting is more than just making a social call. As Hiebert writes "In classical Greek, it was commonly used of visiting the sick, whether by a doctor or a friend.' In Jewish usage, it commonly denoted to visit with the aim of caring for and supplying the needs of those visited (Job 2:11; Jer. 23:2; Ezek. 34:11; Zech. 11:16; Mt. 25:36, 43). The term implies concern and personal contact with the needy; it involves more than a matter of charity by proxy." Uses of episkeptomai in Luke and Acts (7/11 uses by Luke) - Lk. 1:68; Lk. 1:78; Lk. 7:16; Acts 6:3; Acts 7:23; Acts 15:14; Acts 15:36 -- The other 4 uses - Mt. 25:36; Mt. 25:43; Heb. 2:6; Jas. 1:27 Luke 1:68 ) “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people, Luke 1:78 Because of the tender mercy of our God, With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, (IN A SENSE THIS VERSE IS A FULFILLMENT OF THAT PROPHECY). J H Jowett - THE COMMONPLACE OF DEATH Luke 7:11-18 - DEATH is never a commonplace. We never become so accustomed to funerals as not to see them. Everybody sees the mournful procession go along the street. A momentary awe steals over the flippant thought, and for one brief season the superficial opens into the infinite abyss. And yet, while a thousand are arrested, only a few are compassionate. There can be awe without pity; there can be interest without service. When this humble funeral train trudged out of the city of Nain our Lord halted, and His heart melted! There was an “aching void,” and He longed to fill it. There was a bleeding, broken heart, and He yearned to stand and heal it. He found His own joy in removing another’s tears, His own satisfaction in another’s peace. “The Lord hath visited His people!” That is what the people said, and I do not wonder at the saying! And let me, too, be a humble visitor in the troubled ways of men! Let my heart be a well of sweet compassion to all the sons and daughters of grief! Like Barnabas, let me be “a son of consolation.” They "glorified God." This was the acme of Christ's desire. Christ said in the upper room just before He went to the Cross, "Father, I have glorified Thy name upon the earth." When a real work of grace is done through evangelist, missionary or pastor, the Lord is glorified. The Holy Spirit speaking of the healing of the paralytic says: "They glorified God." Let us note a few other such statements: When Christ healed the multitudes by the Sea of Galilee, "they glorified the God of Israel" (Matt. 15:31). When the son of the widow of Nain was raised from the dead, "there came a fear on all, and they glorified God" (Luke 7:16). When the women who had been bowed together for eighteen years was made straight, they "glorified God" (Luke 13:13). When the lame man at the beautiful gate, was healed "all men glorified God for that which was done" (Acts 4:21). Let us, too, give glory unto the Lord. - Robert Neighbour Luke 7:17 This report concerning Him went out all over Judea and in all the surrounding district. KJV And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about. Lk 7:14; Matthew 4:24; 9:31; Mark 1:28; 6:14 Luke 7 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 7:11-17 Christ’s Hope and Power for a Hurting World - Steven Cole Luke 7:11-17 Jesus' Power over Death - John MacArthur THE FAME OF JESUS SPREADS FAR AND WIDE This report concerning Him went out all over - Why? They had no emails, no texting, no cell phones, no 24 hour news. It was word of mouth. They even though most failed to believe in the Messiah had witnessed something amazing, resurrection of a man from the dead, and they spoke openly about it. THOUGHT - How sad that we who are believers have "witnessed" (with eyes of faith) the greatest resurrection from the dead in all eternity (Jesus rising from the dead as first fruits) and yet often we are mute for the most part! When was the last time you spread the report that a great resurrection has taken place? God forgive us for being timid, reminding us you have not given us a spirit of fear of power and love and sound mind (2Ti 1:7) and in so doing please embolden us by Thy Spirit to speak the truth in love and for the sake of His Name. Amen.
Lucas 7
Cole comments - Isaiah 35:5 prophesied that Messiah would do such (blind receive sight), and Jesus had cited that reference when he told the messengers of John the Baptist, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Lk 7:22-23). In the Bible, only Jesus opened the eyes of the blind, and there are more of His recorded miracles in this category than any other. It shows Him to be the promised Messiah. (When Jesus Passes By) Isaiah 42:7 To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from the dungeon And those who dwell in darkness from the prison. Isaiah 61:1-2+ The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, JESUS' ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS The actions were those that were expected to be performed by the Messiah (See Isaiah passages above) and Jesus was actively carrying them out leaving no doubt about His identity. And He answered and said to them, "Go and report (apaggello) to John what you have seen and heard - John's disciples were to give a witness which would include not only things they heard, but also things they personally saw. It is notable that He did not answer "I am the Messiah." He answered with actions that one would expect to be associated with the Messiah. NET Note on what you have seen and heard - The following activities all paraphrase various OT descriptions of the time of promised salvation: Isa 35:5–6; 26:19; 29:18–19; 61:1. Jesus is answering not by acknowledging a title, but by pointing to the nature of his works, thus indicating the nature of the time. the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed (katharizo), and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up - These are Messianic prophetic promises (cf Isa 35:5-6+, Isa 42:7, Isa 61:1-2+) which further support that Jesus is indeed the Messiah. John knew the OT and knew these prophecies spoke of the "Expected One." The days of salvation foretold by Isaiah had indeed commenced, and would be consummated when Christ returns to establish His Messianic kingdom (Millennium). Blind receive sight - (Lk 4:18+; Lk 18:35-43+) This quote is taken by Jesus from Isaiah 35:5-6+ Then the eyes of the blind will be opened And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, And the tongue of the mute will shout for joy. For waters will break forth in the wilderness And streams in the Arabah. Lame walk (Lk 5:17–25+). Lepers are cleansed (Lk 5:12–16+; Lk 17:11–19+) Deaf hear (cf. Isa. 29:18; 35:5; 42:18). Dead are raised (Luke 7:11–17; 8:40–56; cf. Acts 9:36–43) Augustine, in his sermon on this miracle, says: “Who knows how many dead the Lord raised visibly? For all the things that he did are not written. John tells us this. So then there were without doubt many others raised.” (see John 21:25) IVP Background Commentary - Some teachers compared the blind, lame and lepers to the dead because they had no hope of recovery. The POOR (ptochos) HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM (euaggelizo/euangelizo ) Luke 4:18; 6:20; 14:13, 21).- Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 61:1+. In Luke 4:18+ Jesus quoted Isaiah 61:1-2a stopping at the favorable year (His first coming) because "the day of vengeance" was a prophecy to be fulfilled at His Second Coming.