Recognition and grace

After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live …

Is Jesus the One?

John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. …

Compassion

When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. “Don’t cry!” he said. Luke 7:13 NLT There is a story about Jesus coming to a village called Nain, in Galilee. There was a funeral procession coming out of the village as he approached, and the man who had died was the only son of …

The affirmation of God

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd that was following him, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!” Luke 7:9 NLT Imagine having Jesus say something like that about you. The greatest faith in Israel? Isn’t this the kind of affirmation so many of …

Encounters: Luke 7

A Roman officer, a poor widow, a spiritual leader, a Pharisee, a prostitute: in one chapter Jesus encounters each of these. It is a broad cross section of society, and it is interesting to see how Jesus reacts to and treats each one of them. Often when I read the New Testament I find myself …