Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven


One of my favorite history web sites is Wikipedia, an encyclopedia that is edited by it’s users (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page). You can get quick and complete information on just about any topic and you will find it very informative and I have used some of that information in this chapter.

In regards to the seventh chapter of the book of Luke, we get an opportunity to compare historical facts to the actions of Jesus Christ thereby adding cultural, historic color and depth to the image of the living God.

Back in chapter three, when Jesus was teaching in the temple in Capernaum, it turns out that very temple was built by a Roman officer who was probably a Centurion. As a result of his generosity, the religious leaders came to Jesus on the officer’s behalf asking (begging) that Jesus heal the man’s valued servant who was very sick.

During this time period, the Roman army was still growing and had another 300 years before Rome started to decline. This means that this man had some power behind him. He was the representative of Rome’s military in the Capernaum region and it appeared that he was benevolent in his rule and appreciated by his subjects. He probably walked around with silvered armor dress on his uniform displaying a crest on his helmet, his sword on his left side and dressed in chain mail armor and wore decorations and awards prominently on his torso when he went into battle to show his bravery to friend and foe alike. He likely took direct responsibility for the training of his legionaries and while that training could be brutal, in battle it paid off when strict order and discipline could decide the outcome. He would have led his men into battle, fighting along side them giving practical example and encouragement. We know that this man was a man of some influence because in order to qualify for his position he would have to be recommended by influential people like senators or officers of the court of the emperor. We also know that he was at least thirty years old, the minimum age requirement for his position and if he joined the army at the age of sixteen, he would have spent at least half of his life preparing for that position of leadership and would have a great deal of practical military experience. It can also be assumed that he could read and write because he was required to read orders from his superiors and respond back in writing. It is very possible that he was married and may have had a family living with him as he was garrisoned at Capernaum. Lastly, he was probably a physically imposing man because part of the requirements of being a Centurion was to throw his missile weapons effectively and to exhibit dexterity and proficiency with his sword and shield

So, now we have a detailed picture of this military and social leader, calling upon the Jewish hierarchy to use their influence with Jesus, to heal his valued servant. This would indicate to me, several things. First of all, as a secular leader, this Roman officer was well aware of the healing reputation of Jesus and believed that everything he heard was true. Second, he did not see Jesus as a threat to the Roman Empire or to the secular social order of Capernaum, the area of government that he was responsible for. Thirdly, he did not know that the religious establishment was at odds with Jesus because if he did, he would have sent some one else to intercede on his behalf. Lastly, this man had a lot of juice because the enemies of Jesus put their differences aside and petitioned Jesus on this man’s behalf and seemed to have done it without a second thought.

Luke tells us that Jesus heard their request and went with them to see the servant. Before they arrived, the Roman leader sent representatives to tell Jesus that he wasn’t worthy to have Jesus come to his house or to meet Him on the road and if He would just say the healing words where He was, that would be sufficient. His reasoning was that since he was under the authority of superior officers, he transferred that authority to those under him and they basically did exactly as they were told. He understood that Jesus had the healing power given to Him by the Father and all he had to do was say the word and the illness must oblige that word. The irony that this secular leader understood this fact and the religious leaders didn’t should not be lost on any believer.

Upon hearing what the officer said, Jesus praised him for his faith and the servant was healed.

Luke then tells us that Jesus and His disciples were walking to the city of Nain, meaning “beauty” in the Hebrew language, and at the city gates they met a funeral procession coming out as they approached the gates of the city. The funeral was for a boy who was the only son of a widow and many of the village residents walked with her in sadness. When Jesus saw her grief He was overcome with compassion and He walked over to the coffin and touched it and told the boy to “get up” which he did and to the amazement of those present, he did and went home with his mother.

Now, the city of Nain still exists today and is located on the northern slope of the Hill of Moreh, facing the northern arm of the Plain of Jezreel. Nain was plainly visible from Nazareth as it is located nine miles below to the southeast. The Hill of Moreh is important because it is the place that Elisha raised the son of the widow from the dead in 2nd Kings, Chapter 4, Verse 8 through 37. Now, the coincidental facts of the instance involving Elisha before and the instance involving Jesus now, was not lost on those present because the bible says that great fear swept the crowd and they had the good sense to praise God immediately. The account of this miracle act of compassion for one widow, spread throughout Judea and beyond, helping to cement the inevitable fulfillment of prophecy relating to Jesus.