“The Just Shall Live By Faith”

New King James Version                          Written by: David Hicks

 

Romans 1:17 “ For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

Galatians 3:11 “But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith."

Hebrews 10:38 “Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."

“Articles of Faith"

An Orderly Account Of The Greatest Story Ever Told

(A Study in Luke)

Chapter 7:1-17:

In this chapter, we begin with the events that directly follow the Lord's sermon on the mount. In this chapter, we will observe the Lord's interaction with many parties of diverse backgrounds. Jesus will continue to demonstrate His power as the Son of God, as well as render many lessons.

Text #1:

Luke 7:1-10 “Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum . 2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.”
6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,' and he does it. ”
9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.”

Matthew's version of these events is found in: Matthew 8:5-13 and we may refer to it from time to time.

Centurion: This is a title given to those in the Roman army who command a hundred soldiers. They are mentioned in several places in the New Testament, where we also find that many of them have come to know God. This is in no doubt because of the contact with the Jews and being taught God from the Old Testament. This Centurion like Cornelius, had a good reputation among the Jews (Vs. 5 – Acts 10:22).

He Heard about Jesus: The reputation of the Lord had spread throughout the region because of the mighty works He had been doing (Chap. 6:17 -19). There were also a vast number of specific events in Capernaum like the nobleman's son being healed that may have been the source of the Centurions knowledge (John 4:46 -54). In any event, Luke makes it quite clear that he was well aware of Jesus and His power.

He Sent Elders: Matthew's account would state that the Centurion came to Jesus. Luke indicates that the Centurions would come to Jesus by intermediaries. Elders were older men who governed local communities. These being Jews, were sent by the Centurion to approach Jesus on behalf of his servant. The Centurion did not feel worthy to approach Jesus (Vs. 7); so, he sent these who were considered leaders among their own people.

Sick Servant: Matthew's account states that the servant suffered from a form of palsy and that he was in terrible pain (Palsy was a form of paralysis and was usually associated with atrophy or loss of muscle control by nerve damage).

Built us a Synagogue: A synagogue was a place for the Jews to assemble for the purpose of reading and explanation of scripture. The Centurion was obviously a wealthy man; this would indicate that the unworthiness he felt was not because he was poor. It is obvious that this Centurion was a unique individual by the concern he displays for a servant and his good reputation among the Jews. He displays a contrite heart (Vs. 6-7), which is an illustration of the opposite type of heart that Jesus had just taught against in His great sermon (6:24 -26).

Say the Word: The Centurion would explain his understanding of Jesus' need to only say the word about his servant, by stating that he was also under authority and had authority over others. He understood what it was to take orders and to give them. The Centurion was convinced that Jesus' presence was completely unnecessary for the completion of this task.

Jesus Marveled: To the extent of this particular statement used by Luke, it is not given. Knowing what we know concerning the Lord's knowledge of the hearts of men, it is more likely that Luke is indicating a note of appreciation for the Centurion's clear and precise understanding of His power, particularly after His statement that would follow.

Note: Matthew's account would elaborate that many more Gentiles would later come and sit down in the kingdom, and many who would have been sons of the kingdom (specifically talking about the Jews), would be cast out into outer darkness (Matthew 8:11-12). This indicates that it was God's desire that the children of Israel should have been those who would have helped usher in the kingdom, but the majority would reject the Chief Corner Stone of the kingdom (Acts 4:10-12).

Matthew's account would also indicate that the Centurion's servant was healed the very hour that Jesus commanded it (Matthew 8:13).

Text #2:

Luke 7:11-17 “Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. 12 And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, 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. 13 When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then He came and touched the open coffin, and those who carried him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 So he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He presented him to his mother.
16 Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us”; and, “God has visited His people.” 17 And this report about Him went throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region.”

Nain: This small city lies on the northern slope of a mountain of Moreh, 20- 25 miles south of Capernaum .

He Was Being Carried Out: The widow's son was being carried out of the city, because that is where all their tombs were located. It was at the city gate that Jesus would come across them.

A Great Prophet: The raising of this widows son would cause the multitudes to fear and glorify God. They having been children of the prophets (Acts 3:25), knew full well the way God worked through these men who would be His mouthpiece. Jesus was not only a great Prophet because of the power of the miracles that confirmed Him to be from God, but we would come to know Him as the great Prophet that Moses would speak of, note:

Deuteronomy 18:18-19 “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.”

Next: "The Disciples of John"