365 Reflections

I love what happens to the Roman Centurion when Jesus comes to his house to heal his prized servant: First, early in the short story, the Elders of the Jews requested Jesus' assistance since in their opinion, he was worthy of this good deed from Christ. This was the testimony of the people about him: "He is worthy to have you do this for him" Luke 7:4 He was a man of good deeds... building a synagogue and loving the Jewish people.  So Jesus starts on his way.   But when Jesus actually comes close, he sends friends telling him of his own unworthiness: "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." Luke 7:6   Then verse 7 "But say the word , and let my servant be healed." That's really something.  Friends know us better than our church leaders (Elders).  But Jesus knows us better than all.  And when Jesus got close,...

Luke 4-5 contains several snippets of the power Jesus' Word carries in various ways... I want to list them here: His Word astonishes the listeners: Luke 4:31–32 (ESV) And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath, 32 and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority. His Word cast out demons: Luke 4:35 (ESV) But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent and come out of him!” And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm. His Word removes sickness: Luke 4:39 (ESV) And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. His Word silences demons: Luke 4:41 (ESV) And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. His Word attracted great and eager crowds who presse...