Luke Lesson 10

Memory verses for this week: James 5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

Introduction: We continue our study of the book of Luke this week as we cover chapter 7. In chapter six, we learned several important things. The first was that Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. When he healed the man with the withered hand in the synagogue and the scribes and Pharisees found fault, Jesus taught them that it was right to do good on the Sabbath. After this, Jesus chose the 12 apostles from among the large number of disciples. We closed with the teaching of the beatitudes, some of the greatest moral teachings found in the Word of God.

Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

Luke 7:3 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.

The setting of this miracle was the town of Capernaum. We know from our study in Matthew that this city had witnessed many mighty works done in it. Jesus upbraided them because they did not repent after seeing all these mighty works.

Mat 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

Mat 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

Mat 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:

The servant that is mentioned was very dear to the Centurion and the scriptures say he was near to the point of death. The centurion asks the elders of Israel to ask the Lord to respond to the situation.

Luke 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

The centurion was a worthy man according to the elders of the Jews. They come to the Lord quickly and besought him for the man. It says that the man loved the nation and had built a synagogue for them.

Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

The centurion was a good man, and he had built the Jews a synagogue. Jesus comes to the man and when he comes near, he tells Christ to not trouble himself for he was not worthy that he should enter into his house. He demonstrates his great faith in Jesus when he says “Neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.” This is the kind of faith that we should all have in Jesus.

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

The centurion was a man that had authority over soldiers. When he told them to come and go, they did as he commanded. Jesus was amazed at the man, and says to the people who were following “I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no not in Israel.” And because of the man’s faith, when he returned to his house, the servant was healed. If we want to please God, we must have faith.

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

After leaving Capernaum, the following day they come into a city called Nain, both Jesus, his disciples, and a large number of other followers. As they came into the gate of the city, they see a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother who was a widow. Jesus was easily touched by the feelings of others, and it says ‘he had compassion on her.’ Christians should be known for our love that should model Jesus’ love. And Jesus is one who we can always approach in our time of need.

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 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.

Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

I love the way that whatever Jesus ever did, he did it perfectly and completely. He comes to the young man, and says for him to Arise. And at the word, the dead man comes back to life and was delivered unto his mother. What manner of man is this that death has no power over him? One that can speak the word and bring back the dead as he did in several instances. This was Jesus Christ, the Eternal One, the only Begotten Son of God. As we mentioned last week, there is no other name in the universe that has the power of the name of Jesus.

See how triumphant his commands are over even death itself (v. 14): He came, and touched the bier, or coffin, in or upon which the dead body lay; for to him it would be no pollution. Hereby he intimated to the bearers that they should not proceed; he had something to say to the dead young man. Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom, Job 33:24. Hereupon they that bore him stood still, and probably let down the bier from their shoulders to the ground, and opened the coffin, it if was closed up; and then with solemnity, as one that had authority, and to whom belonged the issues from death, he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. The young man was dead, and could not arise by any power of his own (no more can those that are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins); yet it was no absurdity at all for Christ to bid him arise, when a power went along with that word to put life into him. The gospel call to all people, to young people particularly, is, "Arise, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light and life.’’ Christ’s dominion over death was evidenced by the immediate effect of his word (v. 15): He that was dead sat up. Have we grace from Christ? Let us show it. Another evidence of life was that he began to speak; for whenever Christ gives us spiritual life he opens the lips in prayer and praise. And, lastly, he would not oblige this young man, to whom he had given a new life, to go along with him as his disciple, to minister to him (though he owed him even his own self), much less as a trophy or show to get honour by him, but delivered him to his mother, to attend her as became a dutiful son; for Christ’s miracles were miracles of mercy, and a great act of mercy this was to this widow; now she was comforted, according to the time in which she had been afflicted and much more, for she could now look upon this son as a particular favourite of Heaven, with more pleasure than if he had not died. [i]

Luke 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.

Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

The results of the young man being raised from the dead spread through the nation of Judaea and beyond. Those that had followed in the funeral procession had great fear come upon them, and they glorified God and said a “great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.” This was a true saying. No greater had ever risen than Jesus Christ, and it was God himself visiting His people at this time.

Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Luke 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?

John sent two of his disciples to Jesus and asks him is he was the one that should come, or should they look for another? When people say we should never have doubts about God, I always go back to this verse. Here the very one who was sent to prepare a people for the Messiah is questioning if Jesus was the true One. We all have our doubts, but God comforts us when we are fearful and seek Him in honesty and truth.

Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Jesus gave them a great answer. He not only tells them what he has done, but he cures many of their infirmities and plagues, and evil spirits. He also gave sight to the blind. He tells them to go and tell John what they had seen and heard, how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached unto them. What more could the Messiah do? In verse 23, he is explaining that those would be blessed that believed in him, although he had not asserted himself as King of Israel like they expected.

Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Jesus began to speak of John the Baptist, and he asks them what did they go out to see in John? He offers a response when he says “What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” “A man clothed in soft raiment?” John was not one from a king’s court who was gorgeously appareled. He did not have the privileges of living in a king’s court. Jesus said he was more than a prophet.

Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Jesus tells us that there is not a greater born of women than John the Baptist. Jesus goes on to say that while he was the greatest born of women on earth, than anyone born into the kingdom of God is greater. The second birth by the spirit makes us great in the eyes of the Lord. When we are born of the spirit, we are an heir of God and joint-heir with Jesus Christ. When people heard what Jesus said and saw their condition before God, they repented of their sins and were baptized. They realized they were sinners worthy of death and separation from God. But by accepting Christ as Savior, they could have eternal life. The baptism was what they did in an act of obedience, it had nothing to do with their salvation.

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Luke 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

The Pharisees and lawyers rejected God’s counsel for them and refused to be baptized. Jesus said he likened the men of this generation to children sitting in the marketplace. The children call one to another and say “We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” He was in effect saying that they played merry songs and they refused to dance and be merry, and when they played sad songs they would not weep.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Luke 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!

This is a perfect correlation… Jesus says that John the Baptist came and eat neither bread nor wine, and they said he had a devil. But when Jesus come on the scene and ate and drank with the people, they said he was a gluttonous man and winebibber…. A friend of publicans and sinners. Thank God he is and was a friend of sinners. If not, we would have no hope of life after death. Verse 35 is saying wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true) by all her children.

Luke 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.

Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Jesus went home with a Pharisee to eat. Jesus was not like other people who would only associate with certain ones… he would come to all who desired to have him in their presence. Now the Pharisees were one of the strictest of sects, and they were very self-righteous people. They saw themselves in an excellent light, but could never see their own sins. Now others, they could see sin in, but not themselves. God help us to not be that way. If you think you are above sin, remember that one verse.

1 John 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Only by God’s grace are we anything, and it is because of Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross of Calvary.

While Jesus is sitting at meat, a sinful woman comes in and washes Christ’s feet with the tears that fell from her eyes and wiped them with the hair of her head. This woman was despised because of her wicked life by the Pharisee.

Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

The Pharisee concludes that Jesus is not a prophet, or he would have known how wicked this woman was that touched him. We might ask, “How did he know she was so wicked?” Perhaps he was not as righteous as he was perceived. Perhaps he knew this from others… but someway he seemed to know her character and the life she lived. Jesus did know all these things, even the thoughts that were crossing the Pharisee’s mind.

Luke 7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

I believe this woman knew she was not worthy to be in Christ’s presence, and that is why she was washing his feet with her tears. But she probably knew that Jesus might do a great thing for her. If she wanted a load of sin removed, she came to the right one. She was trusting Jesus to remove her sins. Jesus turns to Simon and says that he has something to say unto him.

While Christ was in the home of the Pharisee, a woman came. She brought an alabaster box of ointment and entered the house of the Pharisee. When you had guests in that day, your neighbors had a perfect right to come in and stand along the wall or sit on their haunches and watch. They did not come to comment, only to watch. This woman came in and took her place behind the Lord Jesus. In those days they didn’t sit on chairs at the table; they reclined on couches. So Jesus was reclining on a couch, with His feet sticking out in back, leaning on His arm, as He talked across the table to His host. As she stood by the feet of the Lord Jesus, weeping, because her sins had been forgiven, she began to wet His feet with tears and wipe His feet with the hairs of her head. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the costly ointment.

Now this old Pharisee would not have spoken to this type of woman on the street. He might have done business with her after dark when no one could see, but he would not have anything to do with a woman of her reputation during daylight hours. When he saw her wiping and kissing the Lord’s feet, he thought, He must not be a prophet or he would know the kind of woman she is and have nothing to do with her. [ii]

Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

There is no doubt in my mind that this parable was meant for this Pharisee. His example was one debtor owed 500 pence while the other owed 50. Neither one had anything to pay, so he forgave them both. If both are forgiven, who would love him most?

Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Luke 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.

The fifty pence sinner had nothing to pay, but neither did the one who owed 500 pence. It makes no difference if you have sinned a little or a lot, you are still a sinner.

Rom 3:11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Rom 3:12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.

Rom 3:13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:

No matter how little or how much we have done in regards to sin, we have nothing to pay God back for it. If we have only lied once, or been a horrible sinner that has lived in adultery and murdered people. We are all guilty and can’t pay the price. But sin has a price, and someone has to pay for it.

Jesus asks him who do you suppose loved him most? He answers correctly and says the one with 500 pence of debt. He then explains how the woman had come and gave her all unto the Lord, and loved Christ much. And for this, Jesus forgave her sins.

Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Those sitting at the meal began to question who Jesus was. How could he forgive someone of their sins. What they failed to realize was that this was God in their presence. Jesus knew their thoughts and the thoughts of the woman, and tell her to go in peace. “Thy faith hath saved thee.” That is all we can bring to Jesus… faith in him, and repentance in our hearts.

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Prov 4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

Practice Random Acts of Kindness. Each act spreads, and many will be blessed.

[i]Henry, Matthew, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible, (Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers) 1997.

[ii]J. Vernon McGee, Thru the Bible commentary [computer file], electronic ed., Logos Library System, (Nashville: Thomas Nelson) 1997, c1981 by J. Vernon McGee.

Luke Chapter 7:1-50