Jesus Understands Your Sorrows and Fears (Luke 7)

Scripture reading – Luke 7; Matthew 9

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* Please note that words and phrases in brackets are the author’s amplification. 

Luke 7

Healing the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10; Matthew 8:5-13)

Some of Jesus’ greatest miracles are recorded in Luke 7. When He entered Capernaum, His home base in Galilee, Jesus was met by a delegation of Jewish elders who came on behalf of a Roman centurion (Luke 7:1-3). They entreated the Lord to go to the soldier’s home, for his servant was “sick and ready to die” (Luke 7:2-3). They appealed to Jesus, saying the centurion was “worthy…for he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue” (Luke 7:4-5).

Jesus went with the elders. As He drew near the house, the centurion sent friends ahead with this message: “Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed” (Luke 7:6-7).

The centurion’s words, revealing deep humility and unshakable faith, moved Jesus to marvel and say, “I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Luke 7:9). When those who had been sent returned to the house, they “found the servant whole that had been sick” (Luke 7:10).

A Widow’s Son Raised from the Dead (Luke 7:11-17)

The next day, a large crowd followed Jesus and His disciples from Capernaum to a “city called Nain” (Luke 7:11) — traditionally located about six miles southeast of Nazareth, Jesus’ childhood home, and a good day’s journey from Capernaum.

As they neared the city gate, they were met by a crowd of mourners (Luke 7:12). Men were carrying out the body of “the only son” of a widow, and “much people of the city was with her” (Luke 7:12). “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 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 7:13-14).

The young man “sat up, and began to speak” (Luke 7:15), and the people were struck with fear and “glorified God, saying, ‘A great prophet is risen up among us; and…God hath visited his people’” (Luke 7:16).

John the Baptist Questioned: Was Jesus the Messiah? (Luke 7:18-20) 

We are privy to an intriguing conversation when the followers of John the Baptist, Christ’s forerunner, came to Jesus. On John’s behalf, whom Herod the tetrarch had imprisoned, the disciples asked whether Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 7:18-35).

Lest we be hard on John the Baptist, remember he had already spent a long season in prison after confronting Herod’s unlawful marriage to his brother’s wife (Luke 3:19-20). Suffering the hardships of prison, isolated from his followers, and aware that his life and ministry were nearing their end, John wanted assurance that Jesus was the promised One, Israel’s Messiah.

Rather than rebuking, Jesus responded with assurance to the questions posed by John the Baptist’s followers (Luke 7:21-23).

Miraculous works and deeds were proof of God’s power, and the Scripture records: “In that same hour [Jesus]cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight” (Luke 7:21; Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1). For John’s disciples, Jesus’ miracles revealed He was who He said He was…the Messiah (Luke 7:21).

Having performed miracles that no man could explain except by God, Jesus commanded John’s followers, “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 7:22).

Who was John the Baptist? (Luke 7:24-34)

As John’s disciples departed, Jesus turned to the people and affirmed the ministry of His forerunner (Luke 7:24-28). He praised John’s character and calling, saying, “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 7:28).

Closing thoughts –

We do not know the number of disciples who followed John the Baptist. Yet, in his most vulnerable hour, we find that John had “two of his disciples” to whom he expressed his earnest longings and desires (Luke 7:19). John “sent them to Jesus saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?” (Luke 7:19b).

Application — If there was never a greater prophet than John, and yet he struggled with doubts, we should be prepared when the same struggles befall us. Providentially, John had two men in whom he could confide his doubts. What a comfort to see that Jesus was patient when John’s disciples questioned Him, and that His opinion of John the Baptist remained undiminished. 

What a wonderful, caring, understanding, and compassionate Lord we serve!

Copyright © 2026 – Travis D. Smith 

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