Full of surprises (outsiders welcome)
by Peter Bean
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I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel (Luke 7:9b).
Read Luke 7:1–10
We tend to miss so much in this passage! Is it a story about faith, or perhaps lack of faith? Is it about outsiders being welcome or insiders ignoring what is right before them? Is it about Jesus’ power to heal, even when not present at the situation?
Note one: the people following Jesus were Jewish elders (verse 9). That is, those who knew the Torah (law), who trusted God, who were the chosen people.
Note two: the officer whose slave is sick does not even meet Jesus. First, the Jewish leaders speak for him. Then his friends bring the message of his understanding of Jesus’ power and authority. He knows that Jesus can heal. Perhaps he even knows Jesus is the Son of God; he certainly knows what power Jesus has.
Note three: Jesus speaks these words about faith to the Jewish elders, praising a non-Jew (albeit a friend; verse 4), praising a man who believes even if he can’t articulate who or what he believes in.
Note four: the slave is healed. Jesus is not present with the slave. He does not touch the slave or even speak words of healing. He simply expresses his amazement at this Roman officer’s faith.
Wow, what do we learn?
Be careful of your religious faith! What is it based on? What does it tell you? How does it help you live?
Know that God, through the life and death of Jesus, is interested in all people – insiders, outsiders, those who can express their faith clearly and those who struggle with what they believe.
Know that Jesus is present, even when he doesn’t appear to be. Through the Holy Spirit, he can work in our lives, in my life, how, when and where he wills.
Learn that God is full of surprises. Perhaps the main one being that the gift of grace – to you, to me, to everyone and anyone who acknowledges the power and presence of Jesus, even if in ways not expected.
Jesus, there is so much to learn! Give me faith like this Roman officer, to know you can, and do, make me whole. Let me live in your grace. Amen.
Spring has sprung. Flowers are displaying their colours; fruit is forming on the trees. There is new growth everywhere. As you observe this wonderful new life, may you revel in the new beginnings God offers you each day. As Peter continues to meander his way through the Book of Psalms, he invites you to read them anew and apply them to your life. If you would like his paraphrase of any psalm (from 1 to 120), send your request to pbean087@gmail.com
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