The Gospel of Luke: What Moves Jesus? | Faith | Humility | Needs - Audio

City Light Church Sermons

Sermon Notes: 3/9/25 Pastor: Brian Crawford Luke: 7:1-17 . Check us out at: https://citylightvicksburg.org/ Or check us out here: https://www.facebook.com/citylightvicksburg . Pain and hurt and devastation does not discriminate. But verses like this show us that grace does not discriminate either! He heals the Jew and gentile alike. But what does get Jesus’s attention? Lowly needs, and humble faith. Centurions are powerful, and economically secure. But death cannot be resolved with money or influence. It would require a divine touch. And the fact that a Jewish group would plead with Jesus on behalf of a gentile - a centurion, no less - speaks volumes of this man’s conduct and heart. It was normally unlawful for Jewish people to even associate with gentiles. And the Jewish people say “he’s worthy, so you should go see him.” He’s Worthy. But when Jesus gets closer to this man, the centurion sees himself in light of Jesus. People think the Centurion is worthy, and a good guy, but as Jesus is coming to him, he recognizes true goodness in Jesus. The centurion's influence and power means nothing. When you look truly into the eyes of Jesus, we see how unworthy we are. And the centurion tells Jesus, I’m not worthy to have you in my house. Anything you’re willing to give me, I’ll take it. And Jesus marvels saying “Not even in Israel have I seen such faith.” There are many in the crowd following Jesus that probably didn’t believe that faith could be found outside of the Jewish community. And Jesus declares once and for all, that his love, his salvation, his mercy as well as the ability to have faith, is available for all cultures. In the other passage, we see a widow mourning. She didn’t have much to offer anyone. But Jesus looked with compassion for her as well. “Do not weep” He says. This world is filled with tears and pain. Jesus sees our tears and is moved by lowly needs. People with nothing to offer who simply need Jesus. Jesus sees our tears, and He has the power to do something about that. And this widow’s son is only meant to remind us that this is just a foretaste of what is to come. One day Jesus will raise all the dead, and wipe all the tears.