Today's Reading: Luke 7
Today's Focus: Vs. 4-6, and 36-50
We're going to examine two stories in this chapter. One will help us explain the other. Both will give us a glimpse into the Savior's heart.
The first story is that of the centurion. Listen to how the people describe him: "He is worthy to have you do this for him, for he loves our nation, and he is one who built us our synagogue." In their minds, this man deserved to have Jesus save his sick servant because the centurion was patriotic and has done things for God. If we contrast their statement to the centurion's, it is a world of a difference. He says to Jesus, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof." Not even "Hey, the servant isn't worthy to be saved." It is a direct reflection on himself-- he doesn't even feel like he is worthy to have a man of such authority be in his house! Jesus' thoughts on this?
When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith." (vs. 9)
The second story is at the end of the chapter. There's a sinful woman in the city. Her sins and status is not secretive. It's well known, and has a negative reputation. While Jesus is eating at the Pharisee's house (who feel like they are worthy to have Him come under their roof), this woman awkwardly creeps up, wet His feet with her tears, kissed His feet, and pours expensive ointment on them. Scandalous! At this, the Pharisees scoff at her. Jesus' thoughts on this?
“Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” (vs 44-48)
These examples are worth imitating. Jesus marveled at the centurion's understanding of how great Jesus is and how low he is in comparison. MARVELED! It is hard for me to get past this thought because the rest of the crowd marveled at Jesus. When we worship Jesus, we marvel at Him. Yet here is God in the Flesh marveling at a man!! And then we see the woman who understands how great Jesus is and how low she is in comparison. When the Pharisees scoff at her, Jesus stands up for her! He turns around and criticizes them for not honoring Him as she has.
Both have an accurate view of Jesus. Both have an accurate view of themselves.
It is almost as if "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (James 4:6). Let us approach Jesus in the same manner: lowly, humble, unworthy, grateful, on our knees, and worshiping Him. May God grant us the heart of the centurion and the sinful holy woman.
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