The Explanation

In Capernaum lived a soldier, a captain called a centurion. His servant was very sick, almost dead. The captain loved this servant. So he sent friends to Jesus with a message. "Lord, you do not even need to come to my house. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed." He said it because he understood authority. He gives orders, and soldiers obey. He believed Jesus could just speak, and sickness would obey too. Jesus was amazed. "I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel." And the servant was healed that very hour.

Soon after, Jesus walked toward a town called Nain. At the gate he met a funeral. A woman was crying, and no wonder, her only son had died. She was already a widow, and now she had no son left either. Jesus looked at her and felt for her. He said, "Don't cry." Then he touched the coffin. The men carrying it stood still. Jesus said loudly, "Young man, I tell you, arise!" And the boy sat up and started talking. Everyone was afraid and amazed. They said, "God has visited his people!"

Later, John the Baptist, who was in prison, sent friends to ask Jesus a question. "Are you the one we are waiting for?" Jesus answered by pointing to what was happening around him: blind people could see, sick people were healed, and even the dead were raised.

Then a woman came into a dinner where Jesus was sitting. She had done wrong things, everyone knew it. But she cried at Jesus' feet, washed them with her tears, and kissed them. The host, a Pharisee, thought this was shameful. But Jesus told a short story about two people who owed money. One owed a lot, one owed a little. Both were forgiven. "Who will love the moneylender more?" The one forgiven more, of course. Jesus said the woman's many sins were forgiven, because she loved much. Then he said to her, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

What Does This Mean?

In this chapter Jesus does not just talk about power, he shows it. He heals with just a word. He stops a funeral. He forgives sins nobody else could forgive. Every time, someone is desperate: a dying servant, a grieving mother, a woman ashamed of herself. Jesus does not walk past desperate people. He turns toward them.

The Common Thread

Long ago God promised a Savior who would open blind eyes, make the lame walk, and bring good news to the poor. Jesus does exactly that in this chapter. He is not only a healer, he is the one Israel had been waiting for all along.

For You

Maybe you know someone who is sick, or sad, or feels like nobody would forgive them if they knew the truth about them. You can pray for that person tonight, just like the captain sent someone to Jesus for his servant. You do not need many words. Jesus hears even a short prayer.

Talk About It

Why do you think Jesus was surprised by the centurion's faith?

The woman who cried at Jesus' feet was ashamed, but Jesus was not ashamed of her. Why do you think that is?

Praying Together

Jesus, thank you that you see people others walk past. Thank you that you can heal with just a word. When we are scared or ashamed, help us come to you like the woman did. Thank you that you forgive. Amen.