LUKE 7:16. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and that God hath visited His people.” THE VISIT.
Some places are especially favored: a favored location; a favored occupation; a favored past; a favored people; a favored country; a favored nation. “To whom much is given, much is required.” Favored people: every person is loved by God. Every Christian, whether extremely wicked in the past or conventionally good, has been rescued by the Lord Jesus Christ.
CENTURION [v.1-10]: his prayer was answered. Clearly respectful, this man was not looking for a last resort or a magic charm. He didn’t consider himself worthy of anything from the Lord Jesus or to even be in the presence of the Lord. He had no doubts about Jesus and his ability to heal. He knew that the Lord Jesus Christ had come from God.
WIDOW’S SON [v.11-15]: His life was restored. Totally needful, he could do nothing to help himself. He couldn’t even ask for help. God, in compassion, sent Jesus to give life to those who are dead. We cannot earn a second chance at life. We do not earn a new life in Christ. We can accept what God gives; praise Him for it and use our lives for Him.
JOHN [v.19-23]: his doubts removed. Naturally doubtful, there is nothing wrong with honest questions. God can handle our doubts. We must admit them to ourselves and to God; face them and look for answers. God understands us. We need to know what He can, and is, doing.
PEOPLE/PUBLICANS [v.29]: their acceptance was assured. Justifiably thankful: people are often easily swayed. The publicans were considered evil, but when they heard the message clearly presented; they repented publicly and responded thankfully.
PHARISEES/LAWYERS [v.30]: their rejection was acknowledged. Religiously skeptical, their hypocrisy led to fault-finding. They criticized John for fasting and Jesus for eating. They were like children playing the game of funeral and wedding.
WOMAN [v.37-50]: her sins were forgiven. Personally sinful, she knew her guilt; she felt her need; she demonstrated her repentance; she expressed her appreciation; she showed her faith; she overflowed with love. The Lord Jesus Christ, by God’s grace, forgave her sins; honored her faith and gave her peace.
SIMON [v.39-46]: his criticism was condemned. Understandably resentful, because of his position; because of his social standing; because of his religion; because of his preconceived ideas, he didn’t know what the relief of faith is really like.
“O God of all understanding: how it must grieve Thee when people who can act sensibly in so many ways; are insensible and insensitive when it comes to the Lord Jesus. Some who are overlooked have real faith. Others are not only ignorant, but they are downright rude. Yet He loved, and visited and forgave. How great is Thy grace! Amen”