Faith That Moves Jesus

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Luke’s Gospel carefully unfolds the life and ministry of Jesus, emphasizing His compassion and authority as the promised Messiah. Prior chapters introduced Jesus’ teachings and miracles, setting the stage for encounters that reveal His power over sickness, death, and sin. Luke 7 shifts focus to personal stories that demonstrate faith’s role in accessing God’s kingdom blessings. Understanding the cultural context of Roman authority and Jewish expectations helps us grasp the significance of Jesus’ interactions with Gentiles and sinners. This chapter also marks a transition toward growing opposition and deeper revelation about Jesus’ identity and mission.

What You'll Learn

• How a Roman centurion’s faith in Jesus’ authority surpasses even Israel’s religious leaders.
• The compassionate heart of Jesus as He raises a widow’s son, showing God’s care for the vulnerable.
• John the Baptist’s role as the forerunner and how Jesus affirms his prophetic mission.
• The contrasting responses to Jesus and John reveal the hardness of some hearts versus true repentance.
• The story of the sinful woman illustrates the power of forgiveness and love born from grace.
• Jesus’ authority to forgive sins challenges religious assumptions and reveals His divine identity.

Faith in Jesus’ authority brings healing, forgiveness, and reveals the compassionate kingdom of God.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Luke 7:2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

Luke 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

Luke 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

Luke 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Luke 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Luke 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Luke 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Luke 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Luke 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Luke 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Luke 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Luke 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Luke 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Luke 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Luke 7:18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

Luke 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Luke 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Luke 7:24 And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings courts.

Luke 7:26 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Luke 7:27 This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Luke 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Luke 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Luke 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Luke 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Luke 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Luke 7:36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.

Luke 7:37 And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Luke 7:38 And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Luke 7:40 And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Luke 7:41 There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

Luke 7:42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Luke 7:43 Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Luke 7:44 And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Luke 7:48 And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Luke 7:50 And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Luke 7:1

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Study: Jesus concludes His public teaching and enters Capernaum, a significant center of His ministry. This movement sets the stage for encounters that reveal His authority and compassion, showing that His words lead to powerful actions.

Luke 7:2

And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

Study: The centurion’s servant is described as 'dear unto him,' highlighting the centurion’s personal care despite his Roman status. This detail shows that faith and love cross cultural and social boundaries, preparing us for the centurion’s remarkable faith.

Luke 7:3

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

Study: The centurion sends Jewish elders to Jesus, demonstrating respect for Jewish customs and authority. This act bridges Gentile and Jewish worlds, emphasizing Jesus’ role as Savior for all people, not just Israel.

Luke 7:4

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

Study: The elders’ plea that the centurion is 'worthy' reflects the centurion’s good reputation among Jews, showing that faith can be recognized across cultural lines and that God honors such faith.

Luke 7:5

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Study: The centurion’s love for Israel and his building of a synagogue reveal his respect for God’s people and worship. This background explains why Jesus responds positively to his faith, as it aligns with God’s covenant purposes.

Luke 7:6

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Study: Jesus begins to go with the elders, but the centurion sends friends to stop Him, showing humility and faith in Jesus’ authority to heal from a distance. This contrasts with cultural expectations and highlights spiritual insight.

Luke 7:7

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

Study: The centurion’s statement that Jesus only needs to 'say in a word' to heal demonstrates his understanding of authority and power, anticipating Jesus’ divine ability to heal without physical presence.

Luke 7:8

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

Study: By comparing his own authority over soldiers to Jesus’ authority over sickness, the centurion reveals a profound grasp of spiritual authority, which impresses Jesus and teaches us about faith in God’s sovereign power.

Luke 7:9

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Study: Jesus marvels at the centurion’s faith, declaring it greater than any He has found in Israel. This pronouncement challenges Jewish exclusivism and shows that God’s kingdom is open to all who believe.

Luke 7:10

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

Study: The servant’s healing confirms Jesus’ word and authority, demonstrating that faith in Jesus’ command brings real, tangible restoration and validating the centurion’s trust.

Luke 7:11

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Study: Jesus travels to Nain with many disciples and a crowd, indicating growing public interest in His ministry. This sets the scene for a miracle that reveals God’s compassion and power over death.

Luke 7:12

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

Study: The dead man is the only son of a widow, emphasizing her vulnerable social position. Jesus’ intervention here shows God’s care for the marginalized and His power to restore life and hope.

Luke 7:13

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Study: Jesus’ compassion moves Him to comfort the grieving widow, revealing God’s tender heart toward those in sorrow and His desire to bring comfort and healing.

Luke 7:14

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

Study: Jesus touches the bier, breaking cultural purity laws to demonstrate that compassion and life-giving power transcend ritual restrictions, pointing to the new covenant’s emphasis on mercy over legalism.

Luke 7:15

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

Study: The dead man’s resurrection and return to his mother symbolize restoration and hope, foreshadowing Jesus’ ultimate victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

Luke 7:16

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

Study: The crowd’s fear and glorification of God recognize Jesus as a prophet and God’s visitation, highlighting the public acknowledgment of His divine mission and authority.

Luke 7:17

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

Study: News of this miracle spreads throughout Judea, showing how Jesus’ works confirm His identity and prepare the way for His greater redemptive work.

Luke 7:18

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

Study: John the Baptist’s disciples report these events to him, connecting John’s prophetic role with Jesus’ ministry and highlighting the continuity of God’s redemptive plan.

Luke 7:19

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Study: John’s question about Jesus’ identity reflects his humility and the tension between expectation and reality, encouraging believers to seek clear understanding of Jesus’ mission.

Luke 7:20

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

Study: John’s messengers ask if Jesus is the expected Messiah, showing the importance of recognizing Jesus’ works as fulfillment of Old Testament promises.

Luke 7:21

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Study: Jesus’ healing of many infirmities and giving sight to the blind fulfills Messianic prophecies, confirming His identity and the arrival of God’s kingdom.

Luke 7:22

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

Study: Jesus instructs John’s disciples to report the miracles as evidence of the kingdom, linking His works to Isaiah’s prophecy and encouraging faith based on fulfilled promises.

Luke 7:23

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Study: Jesus pronounces a blessing on those who are not offended by Him, highlighting the challenge of accepting His unexpected methods and message.

Luke 7:24

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

Study: Jesus begins to teach about John the Baptist, using rhetorical questions to challenge the crowd’s perceptions and prepare them to understand John’s unique role.

Luke 7:25

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings courts.

Study: Jesus contrasts John’s austere lifestyle with the luxurious, exposing the crowd’s inconsistent judgments and calling them to deeper discernment.

Luke 7:26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

Study: Jesus affirms John as a prophet and more, emphasizing his unique role in preparing the way for the Messiah and the kingdom.

Luke 7:27

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

Study: Jesus cites Malachi’s prophecy about a messenger preparing the way, connecting John’s ministry to God’s covenant promises and Jesus’ arrival.

Luke 7:28

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

Study: Jesus declares John the greatest born of women but says the least in the kingdom is greater, pointing to the new covenant’s surpassing blessings and the kingdom’s spiritual nature.

Luke 7:29

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

Study: The people and tax collectors respond to John’s baptism with repentance and justification of God, showing the kingdom’s inclusive call to sinners.

Luke 7:30

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

Study: The Pharisees and lawyers reject John’s baptism, revealing their hardened hearts and resistance to God’s kingdom, a warning against self-righteousness.

Luke 7:31

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

Study: Jesus uses a parable about children in the marketplace to illustrate the generation’s stubbornness and refusal to respond rightly to God’s messengers.

Luke 7:32

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

Study: The children’s complaints about dancing and mourning symbolize the people’s contradictory rejection of both John’s asceticism and Jesus’ fellowship, exposing their spiritual blindness.

Luke 7:33

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

Study: John’s austere lifestyle leads some to accuse him of demonic influence, showing how God’s messengers often face misunderstanding and opposition.

Luke 7:34

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

Study: Jesus’ association with sinners leads to accusations of gluttony and drunkenness, highlighting the tension between His mission of grace and religious judgment.

Luke 7:35

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

Study: Jesus concludes that wisdom is justified by her children, meaning God’s plan and messengers are vindicated by the fruit they produce, encouraging discernment.

Luke 7:36

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat.

Study: A Pharisee invites Jesus to dine, providing a setting for a lesson on forgiveness and love that contrasts religious formality with heartfelt repentance.

Luke 7:37

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Study: A sinful woman brings costly ointment to Jesus, demonstrating repentance and love, setting the stage for Jesus to teach about forgiveness and faith.

Luke 7:38

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Study: The woman’s tears and humble acts of washing and anointing Jesus’ feet reveal deep sorrow and gratitude, illustrating true repentance and worship.

Luke 7:39

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

Study: The Pharisee judges the woman and questions Jesus’ prophetic insight, exposing his lack of understanding of grace and forgiveness.

Luke 7:40

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

Study: In this verse, Jesus addresses Simon the Pharisee directly, signaling a pivotal teaching moment. The personal approach highlights Jesus' method of engaging individuals in self-examination rather than abstract teaching. The cultural setting involves Simon's hospitality contrasted with the actions of the sinful woman, setting the stage for a lesson on forgiveness and love. Jesus' invitation to 'say on' reflects Simon's openness, which contrasts with his earlier judgmental attitude, emphasizing the importance of humility in receiving God's truth.

Luke 7:41

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

Study: Jesus tells a parable about two debtors forgiven different amounts, illustrating that forgiveness leads to love proportional to grace received.

Luke 7:42

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Study: The creditor’s forgiveness despite inability to pay highlights God’s grace, teaching that forgiveness is a gift that inspires love and gratitude.

Luke 7:43

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

Study: Simon correctly judges that the greater forgiven love more, showing Jesus’ method of leading others to understand spiritual truths through parables.

Luke 7:44

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Study: Jesus contrasts Simon’s lack of hospitality with the woman’s acts of love, revealing how forgiveness transforms behavior and worship.

Luke 7:45

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

Study: The woman’s continuous kisses symbolize ongoing devotion born from forgiveness, contrasting with Simon’s coldness and highlighting the heart’s response to grace.

Luke 7:46

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Study: The anointing of Jesus’ feet with oil by the woman contrasts with Simon’s neglect, emphasizing that true honor flows from a forgiven heart.

Luke 7:47

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

Study: Jesus explains that the woman’s many forgiven sins produce great love, teaching that awareness of grace deepens our love and gratitude toward God.

Luke 7:48

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

Study: Jesus pronounces forgiveness on the woman, affirming His authority to forgive sins and offering peace to repentant sinners.

Luke 7:49

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

Study: The guests’ silent questioning of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins reveals the scandal of His divine prerogative and sets the stage for understanding His identity.

Luke 7:50

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

Study: Jesus declares the woman’s faith has saved her and sends her in peace, showing that faith in Him brings forgiveness, salvation, and lasting peace.

Luke 7 reveals Jesus’ authority over sickness, death, and sin through powerful stories of faith and compassion. The centurion’s remarkable faith, the raising of the widow’s son, and the forgiveness of a sinful woman all demonstrate the kingdom’s power breaking into the world. Jesus affirms John the Baptist’s prophetic role while exposing the hardness of some hearts. These events highlight that faith in Jesus’ word brings healing and forgiveness, and that God’s kingdom is marked by mercy and restoration for all who believe.

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Your power and compassion through Your word and works. Help me to trust Your authority like the centurion, to receive Your forgiveness like the woman, and to show Your love to others. Teach me to recognize Your kingdom breaking into my life and to respond with faith and gratitude. Amen.

• Pray daily for increased faith to trust Jesus’ authority in all areas of life.
• Read Luke 7 aloud, reflecting on each story of healing and forgiveness.
• Write a journal entry about a time you experienced God’s compassion or forgiveness.
• Reach out to someone who is grieving or vulnerable and offer practical help or encouragement.
• Memorize Luke 7:9 to remind yourself of the power of great faith.
• Confess any hardness of heart and ask God to soften you to His kingdom.
• Worship God for His mercy and the gift of forgiveness through Jesus.

Luke 7 powerfully illustrates that faith in Jesus’ authority brings healing, restoration, and forgiveness. Through stories of a centurion’s faith, a widow’s restored son, John the Baptist’s testimony, and a forgiven sinner’s love, the chapter reveals God’s compassionate kingdom breaking into the world and calls us to respond with faith and gratitude.

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