The Reach of Jesus’ Authority
We see two encounters today that highlight the reach of Jesus’ authority. His word is enough to heal and He can even raise the dead.
Anyone who has heard the stories of Jesus KNOWS that Jesus had the authority to do whatever He chose to do. Even getting off the cross wasn’t beyond His ability. He CHOSE to stay and endure the cross.
Today, an unexpected person recognizes Jesus’ authority. A Roman centurion. He KNOWS that Jesus can heal with just a word. Is this because of the official whose son was healed with just a word? It is the second time Jesus operates this way.
We will also meet a distraught mother, on her way to bury her only son. Jesus uses His authority over death to return the son to his ima. Let’s rejoin our story as Jesus makes His way back into Capernaum after teaching the people on the mountain side.
Holy Spirit, guide my journey. Show me what You want me to learn from these stories. Help me see them in my mind. Help me to share the images You bring to me. Let me take something from our time together for my own life.
♥ ♦ ♥
As Jesus turns His attention to healing all those who come to Him, many of the elders slip away; back down the mountain. They have business to attend to in town.
One such item of business involves a man; a highly respected Roman centurion. His servant has been sick and growing more so for more than a week. He comes to the leaders of Capernaum to plead for their help.
“My servant is very sick. I’m afraid he is going to die at any minute” the centurion states. “I can’t take him to a Roman physician because he is Jewish. And none of your physicians even want to come under my roof. I need Jesus’ help. I’m certain He can heal my servant, IF He wants to. Please help me convince Him to come so that my servant may live. I am unworthy to ask Him this myself.
This centurion is one of the good guys. He treats the Jews with respect. He even gave of his own salary to fund the rebuilding of the synagogue when the roof fell in after the heavy rains this year. The leaders of Capernaum think highly of him. When they hear his request, they can’t help but be moved by it. They are also surprised by his humility.
“We will appeal to Jesus for you this very day!”
The last person has left the mountain with their needs met. Jesus is tired. It’s time to go home. It’s not dark yet but the sun is getting ready to set. Jesus stretches His neck one way and then the other. He also takes one last look around, to ensure He hasn’t missed anyone. The hill is empty except for Him and His chosen disciples. They slowly make their way down the mountain and back into town. Once through the gates, a group of the city leaders approach Jesus.
“Jesus, we need to ask a favor of You. There is a man who has a servant who is at the point of death. He has asked us to bring You to him so that You might heal his servant.”
“Why did he not come himself” Jesus asks.
“He doesn’t feel worth of making this request himself. He is a Roman centurion.”
“You ask on behalf of the oppressors of the Jews?”
‘“This man deserves to have you do this, because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue’” (Luke 7:4-5). Please Jesus. He needs Your help.”
“I will come with you to see him.”
Jesus and His disciples follow the leaders of the city to the Roman quarter. As they are preparing to pass into this quarter, several of the centurions’ friends meet Jesus.
“Our friend, the centurion who is seeking Your help asked us to bring You his words.”
Jesus waits to hear what they have to say. “Speak then.”
“Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” (Luke 7:6-8).
Jesus’ eyes grow large. He is seriously impressed by this man and his friends. Jesus looks around at everyone who has joined in and are following Him. “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel” (Luke 7:9).
He turns back to the group of friends. “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would” (Matthew 8:13).
The friends hurry back to the home of the centurion. When they arrive, they find him up and moving about. He is healed! They all rejoice together with their friend, the centurion.
Jesus turns to the leaders. “Thank you for helping even one who is considered our enemy. As I said earlier, “Love your enemy and do good to those who spitefully use you. You have embodied that teaching today.”
The leaders bow and then head for their homes as darkness is beginning to descend. Jesus dismisses the crowd that has gathered. “Go to your homes. There is nothing more to see tonight. I am going home as well.”
Jesus and His disciples go to the home of James and John. Their ima welcomes everyone and prepares a meal.
Zebedee regales Jesus with takes of the fishing since the four men left to follow Jesus.
“You would think that our business would go under without their strong backs” Zebedee says while putting an arm over John’s shoulder. “But the fish are practically jumping into the boat! And the merchants are clamoring for everything I can bring in. There is enough for our household as well as Simon and Andrew’s.”
“Is this Your doing, Master” asks Simon.
Jesus just smiles.
Three days later, Jesus and his disciples head out for the city of Nain. As usual, crows follow them. As they near the gates of the city they are met by another crowd. It is a crowd of mourners. They are carrying the only son of a widow from their community to be buried on the hillside.
Two weeks ago, he was plowing in the field and his ox broke loose and trampled him. His ima tried valiantly to save his life, with what limited resources they had. One of his main injuries was that his ribs were broken. Because of that, he was unable to take deep breaths. His lungs became tight as they filled with fluid. When the fever set in, as a result, his ima knew it wouldn’t be long. She stayed by his bedside and prayed to the God of Israel to save him.
This morning, when she awoke in her chair beside his bed, she found his body still and cold. With all that she had left, she hires mourners and a briar. As she washes and wraps him for burial, she talks to him.
“You are such a fine son. I’m sorry I was unable to give you brothers and sisters, to help carry the burden of our lives. I will make sure everyone know what a wonderful son you are.” She uses her sleeve to wipe tears from her eyes. “I will probably be joining him soon” she thinks to herself. “I have nothing left. It all went to give you a proper burial my son.”
Now, with tears streaming down her face, she follows the briar as it runs into Jesus’ approaching group. Jesus knows this woman’s love for her son. He also knows what she has sacrificed to give him this final moment in life. His heart hurts for her.
Jesus walks over to the mother. In a voice dripping with love and compassion, Jesus says; “Don’t cry” (Luke 7:13).
Jesus puts His hand on the briar, silently signaling the pallbearers to stop. They halt in their step and watch Jesus with interest. Everyone is silent, even the paid mourners, as Jesus steps over to the head of the young man. He removes the cloth from his face.
Jesus looks down on him. Voice ringing with authority, Jesus calls to him. “Young man, I say to you, get up!” “Young man, I say to you, get up!”
The man’s eyes flutter and then snap open. He sits bold upright and looks around.
“What’s going on” he asks.
Jesus looks at him and says, “Welcome back.”
His ima is beside Jesus in an instant. No longer is she crying tears of grief, but tears of joy! Her son has been restored to her, fully made whole.
The young man’s bindings are loosened as much as dignity allows and he climbs down from the briar. He and his ima thank Jesus profusely.
“You should probably take him home and get him something to wear and eat” Jesus says with a smile.
After they leave, Jesus hears in His heart; “Thanks Son.”
“No problem, Abba. Always glad to show Your love.”
Jesus and His disciples stay in the town of Nain for two days, healing all who come to Him and teaching them the word of the Lord. Many believe because of the man who was raised right before their eyes.
(to be continued)
Jesus’ authority has no bounds! He could, and still can, do ANYTHING. Death has no power over Him. He demonstrated this LONG before He was killed. Satan didn’t get it. He still pretends that he doesn’t understand, or at least doesn’t respect, Jesus’ work. He tries to get us to doubt it. NOT ME. Jesus is real, His miracles really happened, and He still moves in lives today!
Thank You Father God for moving in my life. Thank You Lord Jesus for making a way for me to be part of Your family. Thank You for loving me! Thank You for helping me grow each day, to forgive, to move on from hurts, and to trust You with my life. And THANK YOU that death holds NO power over me. When my time on earth is done, I will walk right into Your arms.
