Jesus continues his walk in Galilee following the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew tells us that He went to Capernaum first then one or more tours throughout the Galilean countryside. During this “Year of Popularity,” Jesus used many parables to teach His disciples and others listening.
Remember, Capernaum was Jesus’ base ministry. He came here several times during His walk here on earth.
Read Matthew 8:5-13: The Faith of the Centurion (Also found in Luke 7)
- While we are not told from where the Centurion came, nonetheless, he made a special effort to see Jesus. On whose behalf did he come to see Jesus? And why is it important (See Luke 7:2)
- Centurions were very powerful individuals. They commanded 100 men in the Roman army and were in the elite class of their day. Scan through the story of the healing event and pick out instances that showed the man’s humility, kindness, and faith.
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- While Jesus was willing to go to his house, the Word was spoken, and healing occurred. Examine the sentence of healing for a minute. “Go! It will be done just as you believed it would.” What part of this passage is most impressive to you?
- Before Jesus told the Centurion to return home, He took time to mention that Jesus hasn’t seen such great faith in all of Israel. It took an outsider to demonstrate faith. What message of warning is issued here?
Jesus now leaves Capernaum for other parts of Galilee. Go to Luke 7:11-50
Before we begin reading this section, let’s take a minute to review geography related to Jesus raising the widow’s son in Nain.
NAIN (Nayin) Place name meaning, “pleasant.” Village in southwest Galilee where Jesus raised a widow’s son (Luke 7:11-15). The ancient town sat on a hillside overlooking the Plain of Esdraelon. Esdraelon indicates the low-lying area separating the mountains of Galilee from the mountains of Samaria. (Source: Holman’s Bible Dictionary)
- Luke 7:11-17 tells us a story of Jesus entering the town of Nain. Notice the large crowds continue to follow Jesus on His walk. What verse shows Jesus’ compassion?
- Luke 7:18-33 is an interesting account of John the Baptist. While Luke’s account doesn’t mention it, Matthew tells us that John was in prison. In light of John’s imprisonment, explain the question: “are you the One who was to come. . .or is there someone else?” List those areas of Jesus response to John that would confirm Jesus as “the One.”
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- ____________________________
- Luke 7:36-50 is perhaps one of the best examples of forgiveness. Some years ago, I footnoted my Bible with a quote used by a pastor in a sermon, “Forgiveness is surrendering the right to hurt you for hurting me.” (Archibald Hart) Using this pastor’s statement, explain the forgiveness offered here to the “sinful woman” in the home of the Pharisee.
- Set the scene of the woman described in this story.
- Jesus used a story of two debtors to make His point on forgiveness. One with a tenfold greater debt than the other. In another teaching example on forgiveness, Jesus said, “seventy times seven.” What lesson can we learn from this story about forgiving our fellowman? Can we ever forgive too much?
- Regardless of this woman’s sin, what credit did Jesus give her in verse forty-seven? Can forgiveness exist without love? Explain your position.
Human Forgiveness in the New Testament (Holman’s Bible Dictionary)
As a part of His teaching about human need for forgiveness and the means of receiving it, Jesus spoke of the human dimension of forgiveness. A firm condition for the receiving of God’s forgiveness is the willingness to forgive others. In the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) and the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matt. 18:12-35) Jesus clearly indicated such is the case: “But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matt. 6:15). The forgiven life is the forgiving life.
Human forgiveness reflects our experience and understanding of divine forgiveness. Love, not wooden rules, governs forgiveness (Matt. 18:21-22). Jesus powerfully demonstrated this teaching on the cross, as He asked for forgiveness for His executioners (Luke 23:34). Paul reminded the church at Ephesus of both the grounds of their forgiveness and the basis on which they must forgive one another (Eph. 4:32).
Closing Prayer
Lord, in your mercy, grant us wisdom to understand that because you first loved us and sent your Son to die for us, that we will forgive our fellow man of his wrongdoing. Our lesson today has taught us that You forgave without any reservations. Therefore, as we walk with You each day, let us be ever mindful of that love that governs forgiveness. In Jesus precious name. Amen.