Luke 7 and 8

1. 7:1-10 The centurion showed great sympathy, benevolence, and humility. However, what was his greatest attribute?
   Comments: Jesus commented about his faith, calling it greater than any faith He had found in Israel.
   Note: It’s possible that this centurion had been responsible for the building of the synagogue where the man in Luke 4:31-37, was healed. William Hendriksen points out that though the elders (v. 4) told Jesus He should heal the centurion’s servant because the centurion was “deserving,” the centurion saw himself as “not worthy” (vv. 6-7).
2. 7:11-17 What was the reaction of the people after Jesus raised the widow’s son from the dead?
   Comments: Fear came upon all, and they glorified God. (However, they saw Jesus only as a prophet, a representative from God, not God Himself.) Other words for “fear” might be “awe” or “shock.”
3. 7:18-23 How was John to know whether or not Jesus was the Christ?
   Comments: By the things He did. He healed the blind, the lame, the leper, and the deaf and even raised the dead. Besides that, He preached the gospel to the poor, perhaps the greatest work of all.
   Note: John was imprisoned in the fortress at Macheurus, a Herodian palace east of the Dead Sea. (F, 12.5 on this Map of Israel.)
4. 7:24-35 What were the two different responses to the teaching of John?
   Comments: 1) Some – even tax collectors – justified God (acknowledged  He was right), and were baptized with John’s baptism. 2) Some “rejected the will of God for themselves” and rejected baptism.
5. 7:36-50 Who are the three main characters in this section? How are they different?
   Comments: Jesus: discerning, forgiving, loving; Simon the Pharisee: self-righteous, critical, judgmental; the sinful woman: repentant, sorrowful, and loving. According to Hendriksen, Luther called her tears “heart water.”
6. 8:1-15 What are the characteristics of a good and honest heart?
   Comments: One with a good and honest heart hears the word, keeps it, and bears fruit with patience. A “noble and good” heart is responsive and perseveres.
7. 8:16-21 With what attitude should we hear the word of God? (18, 21)
   Comments: 1) Taking heed, and 2) doing it. We listen with the attitude that we need to hear it, and then we put it into practice.
   Hendriksen: There are 4 ways to listen: 1)Not at all; 2) For entertainment; 3) To find fault; 4) To find wisdom and use it.
8. 8:22-25 What does His ability to calm the winds and waves indicate about the nature of Jesus?
   Comments: He had power over nature, and he was willing to demonstrate His power as the Son of God. He was disappointed in their lack of faith.
9. 8:26-39 What kind of power did Jesus have over demons? How was the man changed?
   Comments: He could command them, communicate with them. Once again, His power frightened people.
10. 8:40-48 What characteristics of the afflicted woman would be good for us to follow?
    Comments: Her faith, her courage, her fear of God.
11. 8:49-56 How complete was the recovery of the ruler’s daughter? Consider: If Jesus didn’t want anyone to know about it, why did he heal her?
    Comments: Her spirit returned. She got up immediately and needed food. One reason is because Jairus pleaded with Jesus to heal her. But it was not His time yet, so He asked the parents not to broadcast it.