Advent Devotional: The Gospel of LukeSample

*Written by Ben Whitmore

After recording some of Jesus’ most powerful teachings in chapter 6, Luke now records some of His powerful actions—both of which reveal God’s heart of grace, compassion, and love to us. The first major point that jumps out at me in this chapter is that Jesus has the authority and compassion to heal.

The elders of the Jews come to Jesus on behalf of a Roman centurion whose servant is sick. They say, "This man is worthy to have you do this for him." Still, when Jesus approaches the centurion's house, he sends friends to say, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my house” (Luke 7:6). The Centurion does not rely on his own merits but rather on Jesus’ authority. He knows that Jesus can just say a word and heal his servant, and Jesus is astounded at his faith.

In contrast to the centurion, Luke does not say anything about the grieving widow’s faith. He just records that Jesus has compassion as he sees her about to bury her only son, so he puts his hand on the funeral bier. This act should have made Him ceremonially unclean, but instead of being infected by the dead body, the body is infused with life, and the young man rises.

We serve a savior who is able and willing to heal.

The next story reveals something equally important: Jesus does not play by our rules. John the Baptist is in prison, and he sends messengers to ask if Jesus is the Messiah or if they should look for someone else. Even John the Baptist, an incredible hero of the faith, has a moment of doubt. Jesus responds by quoting a passage from Isaiah describing the Messiah’s ministry, and He says, "Blessed is the one who is not offended by me” (Luke 7:23). We know Jesus has compassion and authority to heal and bless and set free… but we also know that His ways are beyond our understanding. To quote CS Lewis, “He is not a tame lion,” and sometimes will allow things we cannot understand. When this happens, we may be tempted to respond like the Pharisees who grumbled, hardened their hearts, and behaved like children who don’t get their way, but Luke challenges us to respond more like the woman at the end of the chapter.

In her story, I see that Jesus is worthy of extravagant love and worship because He has forgiven us so much. Luke doesn’t tell us exactly what this woman had done or how she came to believe in Jesus, but her actions clearly demonstrate deep faith, love, and gratitude. Of course, the Pharisee is offended, but Jesus cuts right to the heart—this woman recognized how much she had been forgiven and thus responded with appropriate levels of worship. The Pharisees did not see his need for forgiveness and so missed out on the blessing of loving Jesus.

Let’s pray: Father, we thank You for the love and compassion that has been demonstrated through Your son, Jesus Christ. We recognize, Jesus, that you have all authority in heaven and on earth, and you look upon us with the same love and compassion you had for the widow in Luke 7. We also recognize that in this life, we will have trouble and hardship. Please help us not be offended by You. Help us know that You are with us, and as we share in Your sufferings, we will also share in Your glory. Thank you for forgiving us. Help us not forget the depths of our sin and rebellion. We truly have been forgiven much; help us to love much. We ask this all in Your name, Jesus, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where do you need Jesus to bring healing in your life? Do you believe that He has the authority to do it? Do you believe that He has the compassion to do it?
2. What happens when Jesus says no and He does not bring the relief that you’ve asked for? Are you able to trust His heart and not be offended at Him?
3. Take a few minutes to think about all the ways that Jesus has forgiven you, and respond by expressing your love and worship to Him.