Luke 7 reminds me of turning points. Many of us recall a specific moment when our priorities were suddenly realigned. Very often change is forced on us by circumstances. Today’s chapter looks at some examples. We begin with Jesus coming into the city and hearing of a Roman Centurion’s servant that “was sick and about to die”. The centurion had sent some respected Jewish elders to Jesus, “asking Him to come and heal his servant”. By all accounts this military man was honorable and had even helped build the local synagogue. The elders considered him deserving of help. “So Jesus went with them.” This Roman soldier did not feel worthy to receive Messiah. He sent word that he did not even consider himself worthy to personally ask Jesus for help. Instead he describes the rules of military authority. Orders are given and actions follow without question. The centurion speaks now familiar words to some, “Lord, I am not worthy, but say the word, and my servant will be healed”. The soldier’s emphasis is not on his own worthiness, but on the authority of Christ to heal. Jesus “was amazed” telling the crowd, “I have not found such great faith even in Israel”. It is sometimes hard for warriors to know when to yield. Where do you turn when your strength falters?
Next we see a mother grieving for her only son. As a widow, her own life was now uncertain. Even in a large crowd, “When the Lord saw her, His heart went out to her and He said, ‘Don’t cry’”. It is important to note that the woman did not ask Jesus anything, He saw her sorrow and He approached the pallbearers. Jesus spoke to the woman’s son, “Young man, I say to you, ‘get up!’ The dead man sat up and began to talk.” All parents stress when their children go wrong, but listen to the words of comfort, “Jesus gave him back to his mother”. I believe a mother’s tears can lubricate the compassion of God. Please do not give up hope, God sees your sorrow. To everything, there is a season and every season eventually changes.
The chapter ends with a story that some do not understand. It shows the unrestrained joy of restoration. One of the Jewish religious leaders invited Jesus to dinner. This was a gathering of the self-righteous Pharisees that cared about outward appearance. We know they had distain for Jesus and His band of uncouth rebels. While reclined at the table, “A woman in that town who lived a sinful life… came there with an alabaster jar of perfume”. We do not know if there were words exchanged, but we do know she knelt behind Him, “at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them”. The sanctimonious gathered there thought, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who is touching Him and what kind of woman she is… she is a sinner”. Jesus answered with a question about a money lender that forgave the debt of two people; one was a small amount, the other an enormous amount. “Now which of them will love him more?” The host replied, “The one who had the bigger debt forgiven”. Jesus turned to the woman and described the outpouring of love she gave Him and added, “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little”. To the horror of the men at the table, He told the woman, “Your sins are forgiven… go in peace”. Maybe you do not consider yourself a sinner; there are others much worse than you. Perhaps you have moved away from a former reputation, but I only know one way to fully transform regrets. Are you too proud to seek forgiveness? The doubters asked, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” My friend, do you seek peace with God? Maybe today will be a new turning point. Restoration begins with these five words: I’m sorry, please forgive me. I pray that you too will love much!