#1370 Luke 7 Part 3 Offended

 

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings' courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;

we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7: 18-35 ESV

Luke 7: 18-35

More on this moment from Matthew 11

The disciples of John reported all these things to him - John is in jail for standing up to a king, and sadly the king just wants blind obedience, and his wife wants to hear no negatives. John confronted him for the sin of adultery, and this is the kindest thing anyone has ever done for the king, but he doesn't recognize that he will one day have to stand before a God Who will be unimpressed with his title; a God Who said, "that shalt not commit adultery, and thou shalt not kill." His disciples bring news to him of what was just discussed, the miracles, including that of raising someone from the dead.

Are You the One Who is to come, or shall we look for Another - He believes in Jesus, and when he baptized Jesus he proclaimed Him to be the One that came after him, but was before him. He believed Jesus to be the Messiah, but John is in jail, and Jesus is growing just as much in unpopularity as He is in popularity. A person can believe and yet be tried by doubt, faith needs doubt in order to be tested. A person can believe but not comprehend all the details, have a confused chronology, see Christ, know that He is from God, but wonder why He has not yet set up His earthly kingdom. You see this same issue with the disciples, and a lot of it has to do with bad eschatology. The Messiah comes first to suffer, to be the Passover Lamb, that's what satisfies the eternal justice. 

…10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who foretold the grace to come to you searched and investigated carefully, 11trying to determine the time and setting to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.… 1 Peter 1: 10-12

In that hour - John's disciples asked Jesus an immense question, and He answers like only He can. It is a beautiful response, full of action and strength. This will build, restore, comfort the man of God. John is the last of the OT style prophets, the one standing at the crossroads of time, probably some 400 years after Israel's last great prophets. He is the herald of the Messiah, the one clearing the way by calling men to repent. He has had an incredible ministry, but is now caged in a cell for saying what God says. Christ is the offering of the New Covenant, the halves through which the light passes while Abraham sleeps. 

He healed diseases, plagues, evil spirits and blind - This was His answer to the question, and then He tells them, "go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raise up and the poor have the good news preached to them." That's His calling card, and this would be the reference for one so studied as John, it fulfills OT prophecy. 

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,

and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

6 then shall the lame man leap like a deer,

and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.

For waters break forth in the wilderness,

and streams in the desert; Isaiah 35: 5-6

…19I will rejoice in Jerusalem and take delight in My people. The sounds of weeping and crying will no longer be heard in her. 20No longer will a nursing infant live but a few days, or an old man fail to live out his years. For the youth will die at a hundred years, and he who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed. 21They will build houses and dwell in them; they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.… Isaiah 65: 19-21

At that very time - At what time? The context indicates (1) this is the time when John the Baptist had a doubt and a question as to whether Jesus was the Messiah and (2) secondly the time when his disciples came to query Jesus. This verse gives a summary of what they actually witnessed. Note that the answer is not a letter, email or text (not words), but authenticating actions substantiating that Jesus was indeed the "Expected One," the Messiah.

Spurgeon - Our old proverb says that actions speak louder than words, so an answer in his actions would be more eloquent with these inquirers than even an answer in our Lord’s own words. He bade them look at the evidences of his Messiahship which he gave them by his miraculous cures, and then he said to them, “Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard.” It would be well if our lives were such that, if any enquired what we were, we should only have to say that they might judge us by what they had seen and heard in our common everyday life and conversation. - Precept Austin

Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me - Remember Job? His friends were comforting at first, but then pressing, and finally certain that he was more wicked than them and so deserved his discomfort for some great hidden offense. All the world is your friend when things go well, it is easy to believe or jump on the bandwagon of fun and entertainment. Here is the trial of John's faith, but let us not think ill of him, for Jesus sends him affirmation, confirms with action Who He is, but tells him not to take offense. Don't pick another gospel, John, it is not a prosperity gospel; it is the one and only true gospel that saves, and it says, "Christ died for me." 

William MacDonald - This may be understood as a rebuke; John had been offended by the failure of Jesus to seize the reins of authority and to manifest Himself in the way people expected. But it may also be interpreted as an exhortation to John not to abandon his faith.C. G. Moore says: I know of no hours more trying to faith than those in which Jesus multiplies evidences of His power and does not use it ... There is need of much grace when the messengers come back saying: "Yes, He has all the power, and is all that you have thought; but He said not a word about taking you out of prison...." No explanation; faith nourished; prison doors left closed; and then the message, "Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me." That is all! (Borrow Believer's Bible Commentary) - Precept Austin

A reed shaken by the wind - Did you come looking for a man who tests the winds everyday to see what he believes? Did you come to see a man who would recant of righteousness in order to appease an evil queen? He is not a wind vane like your politicians, not a suck up like so many corporate personalities; he is a true prophet of God declaring what men need to know about themselves and about God, that He is unchangingly holy and just, calling all men to repent. John didn't come to feel out the crowd, what's the temperament? What will go over well? No, he said what God was saying, "repent and believe, make the way straight."

…13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ. 14Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head.… Ephesians 4: 13-15

Behold I send my messenger before Your face - Jesus has shown the works fitting His office, a taste of His coming kingdom, and now by acknowledging who John is, He is also telling these people Who He is by way of the Scriptures.

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty.

2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, 4 and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the Lord, as in days gone by, as in former years.

5 “So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3: 1-6

None is greater than John - Jesus doesn't want the crowd to diminish John's ministry. The things he preached were right, he fulfilled his purpose. He is not in jail because he offended God; he is in jail because he offended the wicked.

Spurgeon on why greater - “As we may say, as a rule, that the darkest day is lighter than the brightest night; so John, though first of his own order, is behind the last of the new or Gospel order. The least in the Gospel stands on higher ground than the greatest under the law.” - Precept Austin

…25I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, 26the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. 27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.… Colossians 1: 25-27

And the tax collectors too, they declared God just - They heard the preaching of John and recognized their sin, being baptized unto repentance, a clear confession.

…3For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. 5Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.… Psalm 51: 3-5

But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purposes of God for themselves - They thought little of John's baptism, refused to call some things sin, were satisfied in their religious traditions and with the praises of men. They were self righteous so they didn't come to be baptized by John. That was for sinners, and they didn't see themselves that way. It is a very narrow and low door, the arrogant will never fit through.

…31Jesus answered, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.” 33Then they said to Him, “John’s disciples and those of the Pharisees frequently fast and pray, but Yours keep on eating and drinking.”… Luke 5: 31-33

…5Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy? 6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “ God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.… James 4: 5-7

We played the flute for you - Jesus started His ministry with the first miracle of turning water into wine at a wedding. He met with the crowds, fed the crowds, laid hands on the sick and even lepers. The miracles and the healings were exciting, creating quite a buzz, yet when He ate the Pharisees called Him a glutton and a drunk, and when He reached out to the dregs of society, calling them to repent, the Pharisees accused Him of being a friend of sinners. John the Baptist sang the dirge, the same call to repentance, but he ate locust and didn't touch the fruit of the vine, so they said he had a demon. They could not hear the call of repentance regardless of the type of music that was played. Personality did not matter, the miracles would not suffice; they wanted a Messiah, but not the Messiah. 

And they say, 'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep - We are urged to have child-like faith, but not child-like immaturity and selfishness like these "brats." So here we see two "games," the first joyful as for example might be at a wedding, the second sorrowful as might be at a funeral. We played the flute pictures one group of children inviting others to join the game, but they would not join in and dance. When the joyful occasion (possibly a make believe wedding) did not attract the other children, they tried inviting them to a solemn setting (possibly a funeral). Again they refused to weep. This is why MacArthur likens them to brats.

MacArthur explains the refusal of the children to play - "The nature of the game was not the issue, since the peevish brats would not play either the happy or the sad game. They serve as an apt illustration of the people of that generation—ill-tempered malcontents."

MacArthur - Christ used strong derision to rebuke the Pharisees. He suggested they were behaving childishly, determined not to be pleased, whether invited to “dance” (a reference to Christ’s joyous style of ministry, “eating and drinking” with sinners— Lk 7:34), or urged to “weep” (a reference to John the Baptist’s call to repentance, and John’s more austere manner of ministry—Lk 7:33). - Precept Austin

Yet wisdom is justified by all her children - Look at the fruit of her tree; wisdom produces like, brings discernment and humility. 

…8O Ephraim, what have I to do anymore with idols? It is I who answer and watch over him. I am like a flourishing cypress; your fruit comes from Me. 9Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous walk in them but the rebellious stumble in them. Hosea 14: 8-9

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#1369 Luke 7 Part 2 A Nain Bier

 

11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.

 Luke 7: 11-17 ESV

Luke 7: 11-17

Nain - This is a town about six miles southeast of Nazareth; it's name means "beautiful".

Nain - see Wikipedia. "Nain was a day’s journey from Capernaum and lay between Endor and Shunem, where Elisha, as the old story runs, raised another mother’s son (2 Kings 4:18–37). To this day, ten minutes’ walk from Nain on the road to Endor there is a cemetery of rock tombs in which the dead are laid." (Barclay Luke 7) Nain was on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh which in turn was on the eastern end of the Jezreel Valley. It was about 6 miles SE of Nazareth. On its south side Hill of Moreh was the town of Shunem where Elisha raised the son of the Shunammite woman (2Ki 4:18-37). - Precept Austin

And His disciples and a great crowd went with Him - Jesus has distinguished between His twelve Apostles, who were disciples (learners), the other disciples who followed Jesus to learn, and the crowd, those there for the fish, bread and other miracles. Now keep in mind, Judas was part of the twelve, so none of these designations allow us to know whether someone was born again or not, even in the crowd of those who were there solely for the entertainment, yet one of them might be called, chosen to eternal life. We have to look at the fruit produced by that tree along with it's confession, but for now there are a lot of people following Jesus for various reasons.

A man who had died was being carried out - So the crowd that is following Jesus comes upon another group that is going to a funeral. 

The only son of his mother, and she was a widow - It was the son's place to take in the mother, and this brings compassion to the story, that it was viewed in such a way. Her husband is dead and the male that was next in line to care for her, her only son is now dead too. She is what they would call destitute, and I hear people speak often of how wicked God is in that this happens to people, that they lose a loved one, and it is undoubtedly the worse sort of funeral when a parent has to bury a child, it seems backwards. But sin has entered the world, and Jesus highlights this here, and God has given men instruction, that they are to work and keep, widows falling under their keep. Jesus is our example of what humanity should be.

…26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless. 27Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1: 26-27

When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her - Now for Him compassion always leads to something, with the rich young ruler it was a matter of giving him the truth, exposing his heart. With this widow He tells her, "do not weep", and I don't recommend that for anyone else in a similar situation because you won't be able to do what He does next.

…15“We have sinned,” the Israelites said to the LORD. “Deal with us as You see fit; but please deliver us today!” 16So they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the LORD, and He could no longer bear the misery of Israel. Judges 10: 15-16

Touched the bier - Bier is another word for coffin, and coming in contact with the dead would be considered a breech, making one unclean, but God can't be made unclean, and we will see why.

TECHNICAL NOTE - IVP Background Commentary - Interrupting a funeral was a blatant breach of Jewish law and custom; touching the bier exposed Jesus to a day’s uncleanness (Nu 19:21–22); touching the corpse exposed him to a week’s uncleanness (cf. Nu 5:2–3; 19:11–20). But in Jesus’ case, the influence goes in the other direction. People customarily dropped whatever they were doing and joined in a funeral procession when it passed by. For a widow’s only son to die before she did was considered extremely tragic; it also left her dependent on public charity for support unless she had other relatives of means. - Precept Austin

Young man, I say to you, arise - He turned the funeral into a resurrection, not even death has power over Him. Now I'm sure the Pharisees were looking for some sort of technicality to get Him on here. "You came in contact with the dead', and He could answer, 'you mean this guy? He doesn't look that dead to Me." 

J C Ryle on arise - We learn, lastly, from these verses, the almighty power of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can ask no proof of this more striking than the miracle which we are now considering. He gives back life to a dead man with a few words. He speaks to a cold corpse, and at once it becomes a living person. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, the heart, the lungs, the brain, the senses, again resume their work and discharge their duty. “Young man,” He cried, “I say unto thee arise.” That voice was a voice mighty in operation. At once “he that was dead sat up and began to speak.”

Let us see in this mighty miracle a pledge of that solemn event, the general resurrection. That same Jesus who here raised one dead person, shall raise all mankind at the last day. “The hour cometh in the which all that are in the grave shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation.” (John 5:28, 29.) When the trumpet sounds and Christ commands, there can be no refusal or escape. All must appear before His bar in their bodies. All shall be judged according to their works.

Let us see, furthermore, in this mighty miracle, a lively emblem of Christ’s power to quicken the dead in sins. In Him is life. He quickeneth whom He will. (John 5:21.) He can raise to a new life souls that now seem dead in worldliness and sin. He can say to hearts that now appear corrupt and lifeless, “Arise to repentance, and live in the service of God.” Let us never despair of any soul. Let us pray for our children, and faint not. Our young men and our young women may long seem travelling on the way to ruin. But let us pray on. Who can tell but He that met the funeral at the gates of Nain may yet meet our unconverted children, and say with almighty power, “Young man, arise.” With Christ nothing is impossible.

Let us leave the passage with a solemn recollection of those things which are yet to happen at the last day. We read that “there came a fear on all,” at Nain when the young man was raised. What then shall be the feelings of mankind when all the dead are raised at once? The unconverted man may well fear that day. He is not prepared to meet God. But the true Christian has nothing to fear. He may lay him down and sleep peacefully in his grave. In Christ He is complete and safe, and when he rises again he shall see God’s face in peace. (Luke 7) - JC Ryle

Fear seized them all - It is a bit out of the ordinary, difficult for a skeptic to explain away. Jesus's miracles were done in a time of very little technology and much was out in the open. When you can't dismiss something then you try to understand why it is happening, but power like this, and the variety of things Jesus is able to perform along with what He teaches, leads them to believe they are being visited by a prophet. They would be familiar with Elijah and Moses from their reading, and this Man is connected to many of the same type of miracles, but the quantity and authority is astounding. When prophets came they usually brought a message from God that was not well received by the people, and though it was not their own message apart from God, yet the people turned on the messenger. 

17 After this the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became ill. And his illness was so severe that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have you against me, O man of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to remembrance and to cause the death of my son!” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her arms and carried him up into the upper chamber where he lodged, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, have you brought calamity even upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by killing her son?” 21 Then he stretched himself upon the child three times and cried to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child's life come into him again.” 22 And the Lord listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and brought him down from the upper chamber into the house and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.” 1 Kings 17: 17-24

And this report about Him spread - That a prophet has come and that God has visited His people. Jesus is the perfection of the offices of Prophet, Priest and King, and He is God, but sadly this proclamation will change to "crucify Him, crucify Him.

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#1368 Luke 7 Part 1 A G.O.A.T. Manager (Management 101)

 

After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Luke 7: 1-10 ESV

Luke 7: 1-10

R C Sproul sermon on Luke 7: 1-10, a beautiful listen

Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death- A centurion is an officer in the Roman army. As the name suggests, he is a man over at least a hundred men, a servant himself of Rome. He has a servant or slave, which was a common arrangement in this empire and at that time. There are some who are slaves from being conquered or kidnapped, and others who were slaves by choice, like salary contracts, but without the salary, paid with a place to live, food to eat, whatever was the agreed arrangement.  Some slaves even had their own servants in Rome, but in general they suffered the fate of their class. They were considered property, and so when a slave was sick that would be a liability, for they came at a great expense. 

Gaius noted that it was universally accepted that masters possessed the power of life and death over their slaves (Institutes, 1.52). The Roman writer Varro insisted that the only difference between a slave, an animal, and a cart was that the slave talked (Agriculture, 1.17). Slaves were often abused, young boys in particular, since pedophilia was not uncommon. This centurion was different than most Romans for he had a tender concern for his lowly servant! As an aside the NT mentions 3 centurions who seem to have given evidence of genuine faith (Mt 27:54; Acts 10:1-48). - Precept Austin

Who was highly valued by him - This is notable about the man, a man of war, of authority, a busy man, yet he values a sick slave. Certainly he understands business, and as a soldier he understands life and death, but he doesn't want to cut his losses and move on from here. He cares about his servant. In his society no one would look down on him for no longer wanting to care for someone whom he purchased to care for him. It would not go against his government to do so, no one would contest his desire to rid himself of such a burden. This is the way of the land, the way that those who govern have decided is fair, but the caring, the valuing that comes with integrity, sincerely wants the best for his servant. Why? I think it becomes more obvious the more we learn about this man from the text, and I do believe that this servant has become more like family, a friend. In the chapter before this we learned about discernment, about a tree being known by it's fruit, and so lets look more at the fruit of this man's life.

…14You are My friends if you do what I command you. 15No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.… John 15: 14-16

…16But if your servant says to you, ‘I do not want to leave you,’ because he loves you and your household and is well off with you, 17then take an awl and pierce it through his ear into the door, and he will become your servant for life. And treat your maidservant the same way. 18Do not regard it as a hardship to set your servant free, because his six years of service were worth twice the wages of a hired hand. And the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.… Deuteronomy 15: 16-18

He sent to Him elders of the Jews - Jesus was born a Jew, and this centurion was a gentile, but a man of good reputation, even in an occupied state. 

He is worthy to have You do this for him - The Jewish elders spoke highly of him, and brought his request before Christ. Now Jesus hasn't healed anyone who was worthy yet, but by their scale and reasoning, they held this man in such high esteem that they considered him worthy to receive such a miracle. It had become a part of their tradition to find value or worthiness in such places as heritage, being related to Abraham, in appearance, and in rituals. God only owes us one thing and that is death, because the wages of sin is death and we are all sinners. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that they, who are of the circumcision, children of Abraham, hold this occupying centurion in such high regard. 

…8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. 9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.… Matthew 3: 8-10

For he loves our nation - He doesn't treat the Jews as enemies, and he holds the nation in high esteem though he is part of the occupying force, yet he seems to be a man of peace. There were groups among the Jews called Zealots, who hated Rome and it's soldiers, even to the extent of  using acts of terrorism against the Romans. It would be easy, very human indeed, to hold these people who are much different then him, many opposed to his presence not only as a Roman but also as a gentile, in contempt. Instead, this nation holds a special place in his heart, and we have to be careful not to read too much into the text, but they use the word, love.

He is the one who built our synagogue - This is the fruit of his love for the nation, the proof that they put forth. This is what men can see, and really though how true is that which professes itself to be love, yet does not act? What kind of a tree is this? He builds their place of worship in a place where they profess that there is only One God and that all else are the idols and figments of men's imaginations. The synagogue was not the temple, but a place where one could go to pray and hear the daily reading of the word. It was a place where men met to discuss Judaism. We could say that he was making what he saw as good politics, winning over the favor of the people where he lived, and being a gentile he was probably a polytheist so it wouldn't go against his conviction to acknowledge another god, but I think the text will show that it was more than this. Look at the results of God's love.

15that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life. 16For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.… John 3: 15-17

12This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you do what I command you.… John 15: 12-14

…5But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love. 7You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?… Galatians 5: 5-7

This centurion is a wonderful example to all us Gentile believers, that we too show sincere love to the nation of Israel (no, they are not a perfect nation), as it might just open a door for us to testify of our (their) Messiah! Do you love Israel? If you do not, then you need to ask God to give you a genuine love for His Chosen People, not because they are perfect (modern day Israel is far from perfect and is mainly secular), but they are still the "apple of His eye" and as Zechariah wrote "For thus says the LORD of hosts, “After glory He has sent me (MOST LIKELY THE MESSIAH) against the nations which plunder you (ISRAEL), for he who touches you, touches the apple of His eye." (Zech 2:8, cf the blessing in Ge 12:3). Anti-Semitism has no place in the heart of one who is called a son or daughter of God!

In modern times “Righteous Gentiles” have been honored by trees planted along the road to Israel’s Yad VaShem Holocaust Memorial, because they risked their own death to save Jewish lives. - Precept Austin

And Jesus went with them - In Matthew's account we were not made aware of the centurion's use of emissaries, but the mention of these particulars by Luke help us to look at the story from other angles, increasing the depths of our understanding, ever moving us towards awe. 

The centurion sent friends - In Luke we find that the man was not with Jesus, that he sent others to meet Him, not for disrespect, but quite the contrary. 

Lord - He gives honor to Jesus, this is the way a servant would address his master.

…8But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: 9that if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.… Romans 10: 8-10

For I am not worthy (hikanos) for You to come under my roof - "This non-commissioned officer knows he needs help, he knows Jesus can give it, and he comes with nothing but a humble heart." (Holwick) Note that "Luke again represents the centurion himself as doing the speaking, which fully justifies Matthew’s account which omits mention of the friends." (Lenski) The centurion's statement I am not worthy is an amazing expression of his humility especially in light of the Jewish elders assessment that "He is worthy (axios) for You to grant this to him." NIV has "I do not deserve to have you come under my roof." BBE has "for I am not important enough for you to come into my house." More literally it could be read "I am not fit (which is the meaning of hikanos)". This recalls the line below from Joseph Hart's "Come Ye Sinners" which speaks of our "fitness" for Jesus to come to our house -- truth be told ,NONE of us are "worthy" for Him to come! And so our words echo those of the centurion "Lord I am not worthy!" And yet just as Jesus healed the centurion's servant with a WORD, He has healed our "sin sick" souls with His Gospel WORD! This truth should cause us all to fall on on our faces before Jesus with hearts filled with overwhelming gratitude for healing us! Thank YOU LORD JESUS!!!

Let not conscience make you linger,

Nor of fitness fondly dream;

All the fitness he requireth

Is to feel your need of him.

This he gives you, this he gives you;

’Tis the Spirit’s glimmering beam.

Lowell Johnson - This man measured his worth against the absolute standard of Jesus and he said, “I am not worthy.”

Augustine commented that "By saying that he was unworthy, he showed himself worthy of Christ's entering, not within his walls, but within his heart." It is clear that the centurion's heart was tender toward the Lord. He was unlike so many today who feel they deserve to go to Heaven. Beloved, we don't deserve Heaven, but we do deserve Hell, for the wages of our continual sin against God is eternal death (cf Ro 6:23+). No one is good enough or righteous enough to get to Heaven on their own merit, for as Paul writes "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (Ro 3:10+) Isaiah said "all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; and all of us wither like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away." (Isa 64:6) - Precept Austin

For I am not worthy to have You come under my roof - It would appear that the man not only built the synagogue but also listened to the words that were read. To go into a gentiles house would make one ceremonially unclean. This also defines his definition of the word, "Lord", it is not like, Sir, Mam, Buddy etc., this man's words are prostrate. 

…18I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still in the distance, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.… Luke 15: 18-20

…8And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. 9For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.… 1 Corinthians 15: 8-10

Therefore I did not presume to come to you - This and what follows lends even more to this soldier's definition of Lord. You don't just walk into the palace and demand the presence of the king. He doesn't even find it proper to ask for an audience. This man doesn't stay home because he is too important to go to Jesus, no, he sees himself as unworthy. 

…16For You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; You take no pleasure in burnt offerings. 17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.… Psalm 51: 16-18

But say the word, and let my servant be healed - This is some great exposition here. Just say the word, don't even bother coming to look at my servant, no need to diagnose my servant like a physician, someone like Luke would do. Jesus is the eternal Word of God, God Who spoke the world into existence. This gentile is undoubtedly in my mind being drawn of the Father. His recognition of Christ puts no earthly constraints upon His ability. The man sees his own weakness, inability, frailty in the matter, and he also acknowledges his unworthiness. He is not asking from entitlement, but from a plea of mercy. He is asking for grace, and in total recognition of Jesus' ability to do so.

13children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. 15John testified concerning Him. He cried out, saying, “This is He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me.’ ”… John 1: 13-15

For I too am a man set under authority - He does what he is told to do by those in authority over him.

With soldiers under me - He has been given authority over other men. Now keep in mind this is all in comparison to Jesus' authority over sickness, death, and the spiritual, things outside this man's wheelhouse. This also takes us further into this gentlemen's understanding of Lordship.

I say to one, "Go", and he goes - When the centurion tells one of his men to do something it is with the authority of Rome behind him. He is their boss. I have bosses and I have to do what they tell me within moral reason, and if it is not morally right then I have to decline because I have a Higher Authority, the Creator of the Universe. He is appealing to the highest authority, the One that says, "let there be light", and there was light. Let this man's servant be well, and he must be.

15The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.… Colossians 1: 15-17

When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him - Look, there is not much written about this man, but in this short span of paragraphs I can tell you from my own experience with bosses and authorities, that this is an exceptional manager. He cares about his servant, he cares about Israel, he cares about Who Christ is and is concerned over the perception that people would have, not of the centurion, but of Jesus if He were to come into his house. This is a servant leader, and I can fairly say that I have had one such boss, at the most maybe one more, the exception being that the latter did not seem to fear God so much as his own ideal, the companies good values. I wonder what he would be like if the companies ideals changed? I believe the Centurion feared God, and there is no higher standard than God. 

I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith - Faith is a gift from God, it is believing the God we believe in. It is not that the man had anything worthy in himself or of himself, though the elders thought him worthy he held that he was not. I come with faith to Christ, given to me of the Spirit, drawn by the Father, recognizing Who Jesus is to the degree of light which I have been granted. It is like the song, "Just as I am", and so faith brings me to the cross of the One Who was worthy. It is His life, not mine, and so faith ask for grace, unmerited mercy, hopeful because God does not turn away the broken and contrite. I have nothing to offer but my sins, but I know that Christ came to die for sinners. Jesus recognizes this man's faith and heals his servant. 

…2This is why the ancients were commended. 3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.… Hebrews 11: 2-4

…7in order that in the coming ages He might display the surpassing riches of His grace, demonstrated by His kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9not by works, so that no one can boast.… Ephesians 2: 7-9

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#1367 Luke 6 Part 5 "Judge Not, Lest You Be Judged"

 

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

A Tree and Its Fruit

43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thorn bushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Build Your House on the Rock

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6: 37-49 ESV

Luke 6: 37-49

Judge not, and you will not be judged - This is probably the most often quoted verse in all of Scripture, and without doubt the most frequently taken out of context. It is the favorite verse of everyone who was ever confronted about sin that they didn't want to deal with or acknowledge as sin. It was one of my favorites not just when I wanted to be an atheist, but also when I was teenager going to church, or a young man who had come to believe that there was a God, but didn't want Him as my Lord. It is the semi-polite way of saying, "shut up", but is it the mic drop that I thought it was, hoped it was? Jesus didn't come to drop mics, he came to drop bombs, so open up your Bibles to the Psalms:

…4Do not let my heart be drawn to any evil thing or take part in works of wickedness with men who do iniquity; let me not feast on their delicacies. 5Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked. 6When their rulers are thrown down from the cliffs, the people will listen to my words, for they are pleasant.… Psalm 141: 4-6

And from Proverbs

…5Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. 6The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7The soul that is full loathes honey, but to a hungry soul, any bitter thing is sweet.… Proverbs 27: 5-7

Condemn not and you will not be condemned - Throughout Scripture we are given the mandate to judge righteously, and if we look at the context of this text we will see that it addresses hypocritical judgment. Sadly, everyone thinks of themselves more highly than they ought to, and we are always more bothered by the sins of others than our own. To condemn is to extend judgment to a finality, something that we do not have the right to do. Scripture is clear that sin is already under judgment, and we know that this bears eternal meaning, but we don't pick who God is going to save. I can tell a man that if you remain in your sins, that if you do not have Christ as Lord, if you are not born again, or if you believe that there is some other way than Christ, to die in that is to enter such condemnation that has already been prepared. 

MacArthur - The first command, do not judge, and you will not be judged, does not preclude assessing a person’s spiritual condition and confronting their sin (cf. Lk 6:42–45; 17:3; Matt. 7:6; 1 Cor. 5:5, 11–13; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; James 5:20; 2 John 10). In fact, Christians are commanded to be discerning, to be “shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16; cf. Col. 4:5)....What this command does forbid is harsh, critical, compassionless, vengeful condemnation of one’s enemies as if one was vested with final judgment power. (See Luke Commentary)

Henry Morris describes proper judging - "We should be able to recognize false teachers and "from such turn away" (2 Ti 3:5; see also Mt 7:15-20). Also, we should discern and rebuke these false brethren who are encouraging others to sin (Eph 5:7,11). In other words, we should be able to judge that which is wrong, in either doctrine or practice, and avoid (or correct) those who are involved, but we must not condemn them--God will do that." (Defender's Study Bible) - Precept Austin

…17For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil.… John 3: 17-19

Forgive and you will be forgiven - We should not be like the ungrateful servant who was forgiven a massive debt but through his fellow servant into jail for a much smaller offense. It is a very entitled attitude that expects good for oneself but wishes ill upon others. Do you still not know the magnitude of what you need when it comes to forgiveness? Look at the balance of this which Luke later expounds upon in chapter 17.

…3Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. 4Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” 5The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”… Luke 17: 3-5

Give and it will be given to you - Give freely as you have received freely, so it is with forgiveness, it was not free, but it was free to you. God paid dearly for our pardon. You and I have never suffered so much and we are completely delusional to say we have suffered in any way like the Innocent One. 

…6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.… 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8

Can a blind man lead a blind man - We recall Jesus's many interactions with the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Scribes of both schools. These were the religious leaders, and they had their own disciples who followed them about, but they were more concerned with teaching the traditions of men, even when they went against the words of the Living God. They studied the Scriptures looking for the Messiah, but refused to recognize Him when He came. The Scribes favored their own words over God's and those who followed them fell into the same pit. They thought more about a man made ritual than the state of a man's heart. 

…13But Jesus replied, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by its roots. 14Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” 15Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”…

…16“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked. 17“ Do you not yet realize that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then is eliminated? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these things defile a man.…

…19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. 20These are what defile a man, but eating with unwashed hands does not defile him.”  Matthew 15: 13-20 

More from Matthew 15

3If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, 4he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and semantics, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, 5and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.… 1 Timothy 6: 3-5

Everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher - Be careful who you follow, this is the outcome. Be careful of what you follow, your feelings may lead you astray.  Consider the cost.

…19If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. 20Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. 21But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me.… John 15: 19-21

But do not notice the log that is in your own eye - Here in the very chapter we have more context about the, "judge not lest ye be judged" quote that everyone is so familiar with. You have somehow been able to notice a sin in the life of your brother, but it is extraordinary that you are able to see this at all considering the sin in your own life. This is hypocrisy. Even King David, who as king had to often pass judgment, was brought into judgment for this same sort of hypocrisy. He was violently angry about someone stealing a lamb, yet he had committed adultery and added to that, murder, in order to cover it up. 

…5David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! 6 Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” 7Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.… 2 Samuel 12: 5-7

…27But if a wicked man turns from the wickedness he has committed and does what is just and right, he will save his life. 28Because he considered and turned from all the transgressions he had committed, he will surely live; he will not die. 29Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not just.’ Are My ways unjust, O house of Israel? Is it not your ways that are unjust?… Ezekiel 18: 27-29

1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2And we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, O man, pass judgment on others, yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?… Romans 2: 1-3

Then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye - Even more clarification that doesn't fit the popular interpretation. Now that the great beam has been removed from your eye, it is time to address the spec in your brother's eye. Again, sin has already been judged, God has already defined it, but now we are moving towards loving confrontation in the hopes of restoration.

…19Do not entertain an accusation against an elder, except on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 20But those who persist in sin should be rebuked in front of everyone, so that the others will stand in fear of sin. 21I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.… 1 Timothy 5: 19-21

19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5: 19-20

Even Peter was rebuked by Paul because it is better to be right in the eyes of God then men, and your title does not make you say or do right, it has to be that before you say or do it. Peter was an Apostle, but when he acted the hypocrite Paul became his most loving friend by way of confronting his sin. A wise man takes correction.

11When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood to be condemned. 12For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself, for fear of those in the circumcision group. 13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.… Galatians 2: 11-13

Each tree is known by it's own fruit - Now we are literally being told through the figure of a fruit tree how to judge. When I say I am a Christian it is not wrong for someone to look for the fruit that backs that up. A true Christian is someone who has been born again, a new creature indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

…19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; 20idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.…

…22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.…

…25Since we live by the Spirit, let us walk in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another. Galatians 5: 19-26 

Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I tell you - I do what my boss says because I fear losing my job, not being able to provide for my family. I do what the police officer says because he has a gun and I heard and believe that it hurts to get shot, even kills sometimes. Oddly, when it comes to what the Creator of the Universe says, the Being with infinite power, Who is eternally Holy and Just, men just give a nod and then go do what ever the "heart wants". He asks a fair question, why do you call yourself a Christian, one of His disciples, and then live opposed to what He says? Why do say I follow Christ, yet wait to see what the world believes today before you profess what you think a Christian should say, adjusting it to find favor with the world? Lord means master, and if a tree is known by it's fruit then who is your real master? I know what you are going to say, "judge not lest ye be judged", right? Well go back to the beginning of this and read it again.

18Children, it is the last hour; and just as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have appeared. This is how we know it is the last hour. 19They went out from us, but they did not belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us. But their departure made it clear that none of them belonged to us. 20You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.… 1 John 2: 18-20

…22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ 24Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.… Matthew 7: 22-24

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