Luke shows us two demonstrations of Jesus’ power as He traverses the roads and villages of the northern half of Palestine during the early part of His public ministry. These show the diversity of Jesus’ work, even what He did simultaneously. This ultimate example of “multi-tasking” was performed for two situations that were about as opposite of each other as could be. Notice some of these contrasts in Luke 7:1-17:
| The Centurion’s Servant | The Widow’s Son |
| The Centurion reaches out to Jesus (3) | Jesus reaches out to the widow (12-13) |
| The Centurion was already convinced of His power | The widow was seemingly oblivious to His power |
| The Centurion was rich and powerful (2,5,8) | A widow with no children had no prospect (12) |
| The servant is about to die (2) | The son is dead already (12) |
| Jesus marveled at the man’s faith (9) | Jesus felt compassion for the grieving mother (13) |
| The Centurion was a Gentile | Nain, a Galilean city, would be Jewish (12) |
| Jesus healed the servant from afar (6-10) | Jesus touched the coffin and raised the son (14) |
| Nothing is said of the people’s reaction (10) | The crowd fears and glorifies God (16-17) |
Yet, Jesus is the thread that holds them both together. Whether He is responding to the faith of a devout Roman or responding to the grief of an indigent widow, He knew He could help and He was willing. He knew He had something to offer they could not find anywhere else. He is willing and able to transform sorrow into celebration. These events serve to spread good news about Him all around Him (17). People may not yet understand who He is, but these actions let them know He was no ordinary man or rabbi. Those in the funeral procession say, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” And, “God has visited His people!” (16). As glowing a tribute as this was, they didn’t yet grasp the full picture of Jesus. But, they knew He was special.
I think about the diverse people we see and know every day. They are black and white, young and old, male and female, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, natives and transplants. Perhaps you can take two people in your circle of influence and make up a column of contrasts like the one above. Despite their differences, they will be united by one significant thing. They need what only Jesus can give, and He can certainly give it to them. Whether they are actively seeking Him or unaware of their need of Him, you and I can forever change their life and circumstance when we introduce them to Jesus. May God help us to do that for someone today!
Neal Pollard