Lessons from the Gospel of Luke: Faith in Action

Read Chapter 7

As Jesus traveled, He and those around Him showed a range of emotions and responses. Here are a few examples.

• Amazement, but surprisingly, it was Jesus who was amazed at the faith of the Roman officer, who was not even a Jew. Yet he recognized the power of God in Christ and knew that He was more than able to heal his servant. Jesus said, “…I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:9b, NIV84).
• As Jesus’ group approached a town, they came upon a funeral procession, where a widow mourned the death of her only son. “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, ‘Do not weep.’” (Luke 7:13, ESV). He then raised the boy from the dead. The crowd that saw what happened was “filled with awe” and praised God, but they saw Jesus as only a great prophet.
• John the Baptist, better than most anyone else, should have known who Jesus was, yet he still had questions. He sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah. Jesus said the proof was in the miracles He had done, all of which fulfilled prophecy.
• The “sinful woman” who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair showed amazing love. Unlike the Pharisee who had failed to provide the basic tenets of hospitality, the woman was willing to sacrifice all dignity to honor Christ. Jesus forgave her much, and she loved Him completely.

Great faith, or the lack of it (See Mark 6:6), amazes Christ, so each of us must examine our own faith. Do we trust Him and His power completely as the Centurion did, or do we lack the trust that He requires? Is Jesus amazed by our faith?

Jesus has great compassion for each of us and for the troubles and trials that this life often brings. However, that does not mean that He will provide the complete healing as He did for the widow’s son. He will, however, walk with us in the fire. In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, a fourth man was in the fire (See Daniel 3:25). Christ is my refuge in every storm because I know He cares for me.

We all have questions from time to time. Thankfully, Jesus is not only able but willing to answer our questions, just as He did for John. Do not hesitate to ask.

Finally, Jesus sums up this entire chapter with these words, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little” (Luke 7:47, NIV84).

 Reflect on the great forgiveness God has showered on you. Does your love reflect that forgiveness?