Bible Chapter: Luke 7

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Luke 7 includes one of the amazing passages of the Bible.  There was a man known as John the Baptist whose main calling in life was to be the person who pointed people to Jesus.  John preached and gained a following. Then, at the proper time, he pointed everyone to Jesus.  He is the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the whole world.  John was so confident of the truths of God that he was not afraid to tell the all-powerful political leader that he was sinning.  And yet, in a time of hard battle and discouragement, he send friends to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
    What jumps out to me is that anyone can face a battle and struggle with questions.  Jesus didn’t get upset because John asked a question.  Jesus answered the question.  We can all face hard times and struggles.  Jesus doesn’t have a problem with that because the battle is hard and nasty at times.  We must keep our focus in the midst of the struggles and receive the answers that Jesus will give.  Even when it life seems impossible, we must keep focusing on the eternal promises of the Lord.  I love the old song, “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus”.
    The ending section of this chapter gives hope to all.  There was a woman who is identified as a “sinner” who received forgiveness from her sins.  She knew it was real and showed great appreciation for the deliverance from her sins.  The Pharisees knew who she was and looked down on her.  The reason this gives hope is that the world is full of sinners.  Any sinner can come to Jesus and receive forgiveness and experience the new life offered by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    This chapter includes powerful testimonies of faith.  As I go through the spiritual battles of life I must not let them destroy my faith.  I must learn more about the authority Jesus talked about and learn to use faith and authority in the way God planned and that pleases Him.  I need to continue seeking to know HIM more and grow in my confidence that God does everything well.  As I have struggles and doubts I must keep my focus on WHO Jesus is, on His character and nature, reminding myself that He will never go against who He is.

3.  How can I help someone?
    In life I, and most of us, meet sinners all the time.  I have met people who think they have done too many bad things for God to forgive.  The story of the sinful woman here is a good reminder that Jesus is open to forgive all who will acknowledge their need and receive His gift of eternal life.  I need to help people see the amazing love of Jesus to forgive.  At the same time, I cannot compromise and say that sin doesn’t matter.  Yes, Jesus forgives, but He also judges sin.  Sin separates us from God.  Forgiveness restores the relationship.  Jesus said in John 3:17-18 NKJV
17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
    It is our responsibility to believe, it is God’s responsibility to forgive when we believe.