In this chapter, Luke the Physician highlights the miracles of Jesus that are brought to life through faith; the centurion’s faith ( vs 1-10) widdow’s son at Nain, ( vs 11-17) Messangers by John the Baptist ( vs 18-35) and the Alabaster Jar ( vs 36-50)
Centurion- Centurions were professional officers in the Roman army, commanders in charge of 80-100 soildiers.
In this story a centurion comes across JESUS, and he recognizes AUTHORITY
As a commander, this Roman soildier understood authority, and he recognized a simmilar authority in JESUS
vs 3 “The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. ”
( vs 6-8) “He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
this cetrurion recognized a commanders authority in JESUS
Jesus was amazed at HIS FAITH
It was NOT an ordinary FAITH, this FAITH was different
” Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.” ( verse 10 )
Faith
Faith is the foundation of a Christian’s experience. It represents belief and trust in God’s love, guidance, and promises, giving believers hope for the future. This strong faith helps Christians face life’s challenges, providing hope and purpose during tough times. Faith is a beautiful and powerful part of many people’s lives.
Basic Definition of faith
faith- confidence or trust in a person or thing
Biblical definition of Faith
“substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not yet seen.” -Hebrews 11:1
Substance – physical matter with uniform properties of which a person or thing consists and which has a tangible, solid presence.
Evidence – the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
Substance without solid evidence. The first time I was introduced to the concept of faith was when I was getting baptized at sixteen years old. It was a requirement for us to know the definition of faith and be familiar with at least the New Testament. Like everyone else, my age, with my friends, I memorized this scripture OUT OF FEAR, not truly understanding its definition or meaning. It was years LATER that I understood the true meaning of FAITH, and it is no easy walk, let me tell you,
Faith is not just a word or definition its a walk and a journey. It’s both a principle and a process.
Walking by faith involves a trust that goes beyond what the world can provide, even during dark times and challenging moments. It’s about having confidence and assurance without always having clear evidence.
It’s a walk or journey that is different from the rest. Building this kind of faith is a gradual process; it doesn’t happen overnight. It requires belief, time, trust, and a study of God’s word, along with an awareness of His miracles and promises, to nurture and strengthen this faith.
The Bible also states, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6
Much of the Christian faith requires no physical evidence. And without it, we cannot impress God, the Creator of this FAITH. Although evidence of the BIBLE is presented by itself, people are still looking for more evidence.
” Faith – Not by Sight” Page 154
– A call to action, self-discovery, purpose, and making a difference in the world around you, filld with stories, testimonies, experiences, wisdom, insight and so much more.
Early Release
” As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out-the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. ” ( vs 12 )
this woman was desperate!
“When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” ( vs 13-15 )
Jesus was filled with compassion and he reached out to help this woman!
“ John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? ” ( vs 18-19)
” John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else? ” ( vs 20 )
Though they were relatives, they did not engage with each other. Even JOHN was confused.
the most expensive perfume in an Alabaster Box
A familier STORY to many of US
Jesus is hanging out as a guest at Simon (the Leper) house and a woman comes to celebrate and honor Jesus.
Woman by the name of Mary Magdalene ( Lazarus Sister) known to be a sinner poured out extensive perfume on Jesus Feet.
kneeling down to wash Jesus feet, and dry them with her hair.
Not only that, annoining Jesus with the most expensive perfume known to humankind
a year worth of wages perfume to celebrate JESUS.
If you were the one standing in the ROOM, what would your thoughts be?
Would you be critical of what she did, or would you rejoice with her and Jesus at what she had done?
“the woman annointing Jesus, understood the assignment“ – Sword Study | Luke 14
Disciples of Jesus experienced this moment and so did other folks. Some began to express that this was a waste of money, and the bottle should have been sold for profit and the money given to the poor.
What she did rubbed some people the wrong way. It was expensive perfume; she could have given it away to the poor.
But what she was doing, only Jesus understood.
Act of devotion and preparation for his burial.
“Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume? It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.“ (verses 4-5)
Jesus understood her mission, he understood her assignment. The others did not. They only saw outside of it, Jesus saw beyond that.
She anointed his body for burial.
She illustrated deep repentance and bold faith by pouring costly perfume on Jesus’ feet. Her actions, which included washing his feet with her tears and hair, demonstrated supreme worship, gratitude for forgiveness, and an act of service to the Messiah.
1. Consecration. Sometimes we criticize what we don’t understand, and as a result we fall into sin. We must seek God for Direction not leaning unto our own understanding but submitting to God for Direction.
DONT TRUST YOUR FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS ALLOW GOD TO LEAD YOU AND GUIDE YOUR PATH. Proverbs 3:5
2. Worship & Devotion. Her actions, which included washing his feet with her tears and hair, demonstrated supreme worship, gratitude for forgiveness, and an act of service to the Messiah.
3. Humility. She didn’t care to notice what anyone said, or anyone thought; she was on the assignement, to annoint Jesus regardless of people’s opinions. She humbled herself, and those who humble themselves in the presence of Jesus, will be exalted. Matthew 23:12
* SOURCED: Christianity.com for scriptural reference.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.
Your Story is important to someone else. The details of your testimony are life to someone else. I couldn’t have spoken into strangers life, if I myself did not go through the battles. I can only speak because I know the pain, the hurt, and confusion. I pray God comforts us, and gives us the grace to tell our story, no matter how small the details are.
Let’s not hesitate to share our testimonies and help each other walk through the valleys, and reach our destinations together. With a sense of fulfillment, and helping others get there can be a rewarding and satisfying experience, because when we lift each other up, we don’t just reach our destinations, we thrive in them.
I’d love to share your Story on my SITE!
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