A Centurion’s Faith
1When he had concluded saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.7:1–10 Mt 8:5–13
2A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die.
3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, requesting him to come and save the life of his servant.
4When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to grant this,
6Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
7That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.7:7 Other mss read and let my servant be healed7:7 Ps 107:20; Mt 8:16
8For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.”
10When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
A Widow’s Son Raised to Life
11Afterward he was on his way to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd were traveling with him.
16Then fear7:16 Or awe came over everyone,7:16 Lk 5:26 and they glorified God,7:16 Mt 5:16; Lk 2:20; 13:13; 23:47; Ac 4:21; 11:18 saying, “A great prophet has risen among us,”7:16 Dt 18:15; Mt 21:11; Lk 7:39; Jn 7:40 and “God has visited7:16 Or come to help his people.”7:16 Lk 1:68
17This report about him went throughout Judea and all the vicinity.
In Praise of John the Baptist
18Then John’s disciples told him about all these things.7:18–35 Mt 11:2–19 So John summoned two of his disciples
20When the men reached him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask you, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
21At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases,7:21 Mt 4:23 afflictions, and evil spirits,7:21 Mk 1:34 and he granted sight to many blind people.7:21 Mt 9:30; 12:22; Mk 8:25; Lk 18:42; Jn 9:7
22He replied to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with leprosy7:22 Gk lepros; a term for various skin diseases; see Lv 13–14 are cleansed, the deaf hear,7:22 Is 29:18; 35:5–6 the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news,7:22 Is 61:1; Lk 4:18
23and blessed is the one who isn’t offended by me.”
24After John’s messengers left, he began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?
25What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothes? See, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces.
26What then did you go out to see? A prophet?7:26 Mt 14:5; Lk 1:76; 20:6 Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
27This is the one about whom it is written:
See, I am sending my messenger
ahead of you;
28
I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John,
7:28
Other mss read women is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist
but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
An Unresponsive Generation
31
“To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like?
32They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other:
We played the flute for you,
but you didn’t dance;
we sang a lament,
but you didn’t weep!
33
For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine,
7:33
Lk 1:15
and you say, ‘He has a demon!’
34The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 7:34 Mt 9:10–11; Lk 15:2; 19:7
35Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”
Much Forgiveness, Much Love
36Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.7:36 Lk 11:37; 14:1
37And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house.7:37–39 Mt 26:6–13; Mk 14:3–9; Jn 12:1–8 She brought an alabaster jar of perfume
40Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
He said, “Say it, teacher.”
43Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.”
“You have judged correctly,” he told him.
44Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet,7:44 Gn 18:4; 19:2; 43:24; Jdg 19:21; 1Tm 5:10 but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair.
45You gave me no kiss,7:45 2Sm 15:5; 19:39; 20:9 but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in.
46You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil,7:46 2Sm 12:20; Ps 23:5; Ec 9:8; Dn 10:3 but she has anointed my feet with perfume.
47Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”
Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard
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