Luke 7
Exploring Faith and Compassion in Luke 7
We’re back in the book of Luke today, diving into Chapter 7, and there’s so much packed into these verses. As we read through the chapter, we find two powerful stories that highlight the themes of faith, humility, and God’s deep compassion for all people.
A Centurion’s Humble Faith
The story of the centurion in Luke 7 is one of the first moments that stands out to us. A centurion—a Roman soldier with authority and wealth—reaches out to Jesus on behalf of his servant who is gravely ill. There’s so much happening here beyond the surface.
First, let’s recognize the cultural barriers being broken. The centurion is a Gentile, not a Jew, and he is part of the Roman military, a group often in conflict with the Jewish people. He’s also a man of high status, which is quite different from the poor and oppressed Jesus often interacted with. Yet, when this man hears of Jesus and believes that Jesus can heal his servant, he humbly sends messengers to request Jesus’ help.
What’s striking is the centurion’s humility. He acknowledges that, despite his position, he is unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. He understands the authority Jesus has, much like his own authority as a soldier. This is profound faith—recognizing that Jesus has power that goes beyond human boundaries, able to heal with just a word.
Jesus is amazed by the centurion’s faith, declaring that He hasn’t found such great faith even in Israel. It’s a reminder that God’s kingdom doesn’t adhere to the earthly divisions of status, nationality, or wealth. It’s about recognizing our need for help, no matter who we are or where we come from. The centurion’s bold belief is an invitation for us all to have faith, no matter our circumstances.
Jesus’ Compassion for the Marginalized
Next, we turn to another powerful moment in this chapter—Jesus raising the widow’s son. Jesus encounters a funeral procession in the town of Nain, where a widow is mourning the loss of her only son. In a society where a woman without a husband or son was vulnerable and marginalized, this mother’s grief is compounded by the reality of her uncertain future.
As we read in verse 13, when Jesus sees her, His heart goes out to her. He approaches and says, “Don’t cry.” This is more than just a comforting gesture; it’s an act of compassion from the very heart of God. In that moment, Jesus brings healing to not just her son but to the widow herself, lifting her from the depths of despair.
What we see here is another example of Jesus’ deep compassion for those who are at their lowest—those whom society often overlooks. From the wealthy centurion to this poor widow, Jesus shows us that no one is beyond His care and love.
In this instance, Jesus doesn’t follow the usual rituals of raising the dead—He simply speaks a word: “Get up.” This act of authority—speaking life into death—demonstrates His power over all things, even death itself. It’s a glimpse of the kingdom of God, where death does not have the final say.
The Invitation to Bold Belief
Both of these stories invite us to reflect on the kind of faith Jesus desires from us. The centurion’s bold belief and the widow’s encounter with mercy reveal that Jesus responds to those who recognize their need for help, regardless of their position or social status. His heart is moved by faith, humility, and compassion.
As we consider our own lives, we’re reminded of the invitation to live with persistent faith, even when it feels hard. We’re encouraged to pray boldly, believe deeply, and trust that Jesus has the authority to bring healing and transformation into every situation. Whether we are at the height of success or in the depths of despair, Jesus is for us—always ready to extend His grace and compassion.
John the Baptist’s Question: Honest Doubt
One of the most striking moments in this passage comes from John the Baptist, a key figure in the New Testament. Despite his proximity to Jesus, John finds himself in prison, asking a seemingly simple yet profound question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:20). This question from John, who had spent his life preparing the way for the Messiah, reveals something important about faith — even the most devoted can struggle with doubt.
John had lived through the miraculous events of his and Jesus’ births, witnessed the powerful acts of Jesus’ ministry, and yet, in a moment of personal struggle, he still questioned if Jesus was truly the Messiah. This brings us to an important realization: doubt doesn’t disqualify us from faith. In fact, it can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s work in our lives. What stands out here is how Jesus responds. Rather than rebuking John, he offers evidence — healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind, and proclaiming the good news to the poor (Luke 7:22). Jesus doesn’t condemn John for his questions but meets him with compassion and clarity.
This invitation to honesty is something we can all take to heart. Like John, we may find ourselves questioning God’s plans, particularly when life’s trials challenge our understanding. But, as Jesus demonstrates, there’s space in our faith for honest doubts. It’s not about having all the answers, but about seeking them and trusting in God’s goodness and timing.
Faith in Action: The Bold Woman's Anointing
The second part of this passage brings us to another powerful example of faith, this time in the form of a bold woman who anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. As Jesus dines at the home of a Pharisee, this woman enters uninvited, expressing her deep gratitude by washing Jesus' feet with her tears and drying them with her hair (Luke 7:37-38). The scene is intimate, vulnerable, and full of emotion — a stark contrast to the cold formality of the Pharisee's home.
The Pharisees are scandalized, questioning why Jesus would allow such a display from a woman with a questionable reputation. But Jesus sees something the Pharisees do not. He tells a parable of two debtors, one who owes a small sum and one who owes much more. When their debts are forgiven, the one with the larger debt is more grateful. Jesus uses this story to illustrate that the woman’s actions come from a deep understanding of her own brokenness and the profound forgiveness she has received. She recognizes the magnitude of God’s grace and responds with an overflowing love.
This woman's boldness in her worship is a model for us. Her actions speak of a faith that recognizes the greatness of God’s mercy and responds with everything she has. It’s a reminder that when we truly understand the depth of God's grace in our own lives, our gratitude will be visible — in our actions, our words, and our hearts. This woman’s understanding of God’s forgiveness moves her to love deeply, and in doing so, she models the kind of faith that we are all called to.
The Invitation to Wrestling with God
Both John’s questioning and the woman’s boldness remind us that faith is not always a smooth, unwavering path. There are moments of uncertainty, times when we feel disconnected or struggle to understand God’s ways. But like John, we are invited to bring our doubts and questions directly to God. In doing so, we grow in our trust and deepen our relationship with Him.
Furthermore, as we navigate the complexities of life — from loss and suffering to moments of joy and peace — we must remember that God welcomes our honesty. He does not shy away from our complaints, doubts, or struggles. As we read in the Psalms and the Book of Job, God desires an authentic relationship with us, one where we don’t hide our feelings but bring them to Him in prayer. This is the kind of faith that allows us to wrestle with God, knowing that He is with us in the messiness of life, and that in time, we will come to a deeper understanding of His will.
As we reflect on these stories, we see a clear theme: God welcomes us in our doubts, struggles, and questions. Just as Jesus meets John the Baptist with compassion and gives the woman the opportunity to express her gratitude, He invites us to bring all of ourselves before Him. Let us follow their examples, allowing our faith to be marked by honesty, boldness, and a deep understanding of God’s grace.
