After concluding His Sermon on the Mount (Luke 6:20-49), Jesus left that place and entered Capernaum where He met a centurion (a Roman army officer) whose servant was sick and ready to die (7:1-2). Luke mentions that the centurion cared deeply for his servant, which would have been very uncommon in that day considering both of their positions. When the centurion heard that Jesus was nearby “…he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, ‘for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue’” (7:3-5). This centurion, being a Roman, must have been a very humble and caring man in order for the Jews to plead his cause before Jesus. Christ decided to go with those who had come on behalf of this centurion, but as He came close to the man’s house the centurion sent his friends saying, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed” (7:6-7). Recognizing his own sinfulness and unworthiness before God, the centurion begged Jesus not to come to his home but instead just speak the word and the man’s servant would be healed. Luke writes that when Jesus heard of this man’s faith, He said to those who were surrounding Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” (7:9). After Jesus spoke concerning the centurion’s faith, Luke writes that the friends who had come out to meet Jesus returned to the house and the dying servant had been made well (7:10). This miracle was an amazing demonstration about the power of faith in God, who is able to do that which is impossible.
On the very next day, Jesus enters the city of Nain with His disciples and a “large crowd” (7:11). “When He came near the gate of the city…a dead man was being carried out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her” (7:12). Upon seeing the widow who had now lost her only son, Jesus was deeply moved with compassion and said to the woman, “Do not weep” (7:13). The people who were gathered must have been surprised at Jesus’ words, but what He did next was even more shocking. Luke documents that Jesus touched the coffin and said, “Young man, I say to you, arise” (7:14). When Jesus said these words, the dead man in the coffin came to life, sat up, and began to speak (7:15). The people who had witnessed Jesus bringing this dead man back to life, “…fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet has risen up among us’; and, ‘God has visited His people’” (7:16).
These two supernatural works of Jesus should not cause the reader to worship or seek a miracle, but to worship and seek the God of the miracle. Jesus did not desire followers who only loved Him for what He could do, but also for who He was. He had come not only to heal the sick, raise the dead, and make the lame to walk; Jesus also came to give life to all who would believe in His name.
Dear God, thank You for demonstrating Your power over sickness and death, but help me to also see beyond what You can do so that I can worship You for who You are.
