Luke 7

We see the variety of ways people perceive and react to Jesus in Chapter 7 that provide more opportunities to think about our understanding of faith. We touched on this in chapter 5, and Michelle suggested that faith is when you believe something without scientific evidence. A couple other ways that could be expressed based on the chapter 5 stories is that faith results in obedience to Jesus, enables belief despite circumstances and empowers us to repent of our sin. 

In this chapter, Jesus notes the faith of the centurion (v. 9) and the woman who anointed his feet (v. 50). Questions of faith relate to others who appear in the chapter, as well.

The story of the centurion (v. 1-10) is another example of Luke's emphasis on Gentiles seeking and following God. Jesus marvels at finding such great faith, which he hasn't seen even among his Jewish countrymen. What is it that makes his faith so great? I think it may revolve around his statement "Just say the word, and my servant will be healed" (v. 7). The centurion provides some insight into the power and authority with which Jesus heals when he insists the Lord doesn't need to show up in person to make the servant better.

Our prayers are, in a way, analogous to the centurion's approach to asking Jesus for help. He petitioned Jesus long-distance, asking friends to relay his request. Jesus doesn't appear in the flesh whenever we bring something to him in prayer. Like the centurion, we have to trust that he will act on our behalf. So, when you pray, ask with complete belief that God will hear you and provide an answer. It is a great act of faith.

This is followed by an astounding incident where no one makes a request of Jesus or exhibits any faith in him (v. 11-17). Yet, he acts to raise a widow's son during the funeral procession. Jesus was moved by compassion to help the woman (v. 13), often a motivation for him to help others in the Gospels. We all know that Jesus was raised from the dead, but were you surprised to read that Jesus did this for others during his ministry? 

John the Baptist has a choice to make -- believing Jesus is the "Expected One" or waiting for someone else to fill that messianic role. It's another question of faith, which Jesus answers by referencing what he's been doing (v. 22), some of which we've read stories about in the last few chapters. It's not exactly the same, but Jesus' words echo his scripture reading in the synagogue (4:18-19). So he is restating the purpose of his ministry.

As Jesus talks about who John is (v. 24-34), we get another critique of the Pharisees. They are not repentant (v. 30) and critical of the ways other speak about God (v. 31-35). It continues during a dinner at a Pharisee's house (v. 36-50).

A sinner or immoral woman (perhaps meaning a prostitute) comes in weeping, anointing Christ's feet. The Pharisee is concerned about her status as a sinner, Jesus cares about her attitude. She is repentant, crying over sin, turning away from it and towards Jesus. This is the response of someone who has faith in Jesus, unlike the Pharisee. It results in forgiveness (v. 48).

Jesus emphasizes this with the parable of the two debtors (v. 40-43) and the contrast he draws between the woman and the Pharisee (v. 44-47). And he makes the point that it's because of her faith she is forgiven and, thus, saved.