Thoughts on the readings for March 16th, (Leviticus 24, Psalms 131, 132, 133, 134, Luke 7)

Luke 7 begins with the healing of a faithful and loved Roman Centurion’s servant. The Centurion had built a synagogue for the Jewish people – most likely in Capernaum. As a man in command and also under the authority of Rome he saw our Lord Jesus Christ as the emissary of God. Jesus announces that the Centurion’s faith exceeded any faith that could be found in Israel. This man was truly the seed, and heir of Abraham’s kingdom (Romans 4:13; Genesis 12:3). In the town of Nain Jesus raises a widow’s son. Messengers are sent to our Lord Jesus Christ from a disconsolate John the Baptist, who was languishing in Herod’s prison at Machaerus. Jesus immediately performs many miracles before John’s messengers and refers them to Isaiah 61. The Lord then remonstrates with the crowd on their fickleness – Jesus and John are both the Father’s wise children. Not a greater man among had ever been born of a woman than John, except the Messiah himself. The chapter next says that a sinful woman, who comes into the house of Simon the Pharisee, anoints Jesus’ feet in love – and because of her great love she is forgiven greatly for her sins. Simon and those with him are instructed by Christ on the basis of divine forgiveness ie love. Let us pause, ponder and learn this.