Who is Jesus? Part 31 "Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant and Raises a Widow's Son"

 

Who is Jesus? Part 31 "Jesus Heals a Centurion's Servant and Raises a Widow's Son"

Today's happenings about Jesus are taken from the Gospel of Luke chapter 7

After Jesus had finished a long session of teaching the people, he departed and entered the city of Capernaum.  Now a High-ranking Centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, and the servant was highly thought of and was like one of the family.

When the noble Centurion heard about Jesus, he sent a message to Jesus by way of the elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.  And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "This man is worthy to have you do this for him, because he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."  

So Jesus turned to go with them to the man's home. Now when he was close by the house, the Centurion sent Jesus a message by his friends, saying to him; "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. This is the reason I did not presume to come to you. I know all you need to do is speak the word, and my servant will be healed.

Because I too am a man given authority by my superiors, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it. By this I know that all you need to do is speak the word and my servant will be healed."

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." 

And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant well.

Soon afterward Jesus, and his disciples and also there was a great crowd following him, and they all traveled to a town called Nain. 

As he came near to the gate of the town, behold, a young man who had died was being carried out; the only son of his widowed mother, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. Now Jesus knew the widow depended on her son to take care of her in her old age, so she was extremely heartbroken because of his passing at such a young age.

And when Jesus saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her; "Woman, Do not weep."  Then Jesus came up and touched the stretcher, and the ones carrying the dead man stood still. And Jesus spoke words; - - "Young man, I say to you, arise."  And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother alive and well. 

Fear and amazement seized all the crowd that had gathered, and they glorified God, saying; "A great prophet has arisen among us!" and "God has visited his people!"  This report about Jesus spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country. Many of the common people rejoiced, but others, especially the political and religious leaders were critical and jealous that Jesus was becoming so popular with the people. The miracles and signs that he was doing, caused them great concern. He is claiming to be the Messiah, but the leaders said in their heart, we do not believe him. Since Jesus is a threat to us, we must find a way - - legal or not, - - but we must make plans to kill him.

So sad that some did not believe, but today, may I ask; What about you? Do you believe Jesus is the Messiah? It is a wise person who will read their Bible, and listen to Bible believing teachers and invite Jesus into their lives.

Paul reminds us in Hebrews 13: Remember your leaders who have spoken God's word to you and over you. Take care as you observe the outcome of their lives, then, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ never changes! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Be not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace and truth.  God's Word is food for our spirit and for our soul.  Reading our Bible daily will keep us strong for the days ahead.

Might I ask: "Are you paying attention to the message you are hearing?"