Luk 7:1

CAPERNAUM: His own home (Mat 4:13), called his “own city” (Mat 9:1).

Luk 7:2

This centurion: possibly Cornelius? See Luk 7:4n. Every NT ref shows centurions in a good light: Luk 7:1-10; 23:47; Act 10:1,2; 22:25,26; 23:17,18; 27:43.

ABOUT TO DIE: Note progression: “about to die” (Luk 7:2); just died (Mat 9:18); about to be buried (Luk 7:12); and dead 4 days (Joh 11:39).

Luk 7:4

Were the centurion of Luke 7 and Cornelius the same person? A comparison: Each was a lover of Israel (Luke 7:5; Acts 10:2,22). Each was a lover of God (Luke 7:4; Acts 10:2,22). Each was a lover of Christ (Luke 7:6; Acts 10:37,38).

Luk 7:5

The elders’ test of worthiness: “He has built” — Jewish dependence upon works.

OUR SYNAGOGUE: The only one in Capernaum (cp Mar 1:21).

Luk 7:6

I DO NOT DESERVE: The Jewish elders had said, “This man DESERVES to have you do this” (Luk 7:4). But of course he did not deserve it on merit, and HE knew it: “I do not deserve…”

Yet, by a strange but Biblically explainable paradox, he became worthy in the very act of declaring his “unworthiness”! The one who thinks himself worthy is NOT worthy, and the one who thinks himself unworthy IS worthy!

The Jews clearly believe that a man is justified by his works, but they are wrong. The centurion seems to understand that a man is justified only by his faith! And he is right.

TO HAVE YOU COME UNDER MY ROOF: The centurion knew the Jewish prejudice and hatred Christ could arouse by entering a Gentile house (cp Act 10: 28).

Luk 7:8

A man with delegated authority recognizes Christ as “sent” from God, with same delegated AutoRoute: (1) Emperor –> Centurion –> Soldiers. And (2) God –> Christ –> Angels –> Diseases, etc.

Luk 7:9

AMAZED: Ct Mar 6:6: sw re unbelief of Jews. The only 2 times Christ was “amazed”.

NOT… IN ISRAEL: Cp Mat 8:9; Luk 7:8: the Jews could not see, in Christ, the delegated authority of God.

Here was an indication to those around Jesus that in fact there would be salvation for the Gentiles. Although it is extensively spoken of in the prophets, especially the later chapters of Isaiah, it seemed that the Jews — even his disciples, who listened to his words every day — were unable to accept that Gentiles could be part of God’s purpose. We really should be careful that our views as to whom we expect God to save are not as blinkered or arrogant as was theirs.

Luk 7:10

V 10: Power of faith and intercession of others: Mat 8:13; 9:32; 15:28; 17:14-18; Luk 7:10; 8:50; Joh 4:49; Jos 6:17; Gen 7:1; 18:32; 19:12; Act 27:24.

Luk 7:12

Cp Elijah’s resurrection of widow’s son of Zarephath (1Ki 17), and Elisha likewise at Shunem (2Ki 4:21-37).

Note progression: “about to die” (Luk 7:2); just died (Mat 9:18); about to be buried (Luk 7:12); and dead 4 days (Joh 11:39).

THE ONLY SON: Mourning as for an only son (Jer 6:26; Zec 12:10; Amo 8:10).

Since the dead child was the only son of a widow, there was no opportunity for further seed. Notice how often the only son/child figures in resurrections: Isaac (Gen 22); Jephthah’s daughter (Jdg 11:34); the son of the family with whom Elisha stayed (2Ki 4); a man’s only son (Luke 9:38). Surely these miracles point directly to the resurrection of Jesus, the only begotten of the Father!

Luk 7:13

DON’T CRY: Cp Rev 21:4. Ct other women, told to weep (Luk 23:28).

Luk 7:14

The 3 persons whom Christ raised: