Sunday: A Centurion’s Faith — Matthew 8:1, 5-13; Luke 7:1-10
The centurion was a real contrast to Jesus Christ. He was a soldier, while Jesus was a man of peace. Jesus was a Jew; he was a Gentile. Despite these differences, the centurion was a man of great faith. He was a man under authority, and who exercised authority over 100 soldiers. Only two miracles for the Gentiles were recorded by Matthew, and this is one. The other was the healing of the Syrophoenician woman’s daughter (Matthew 15:21-28). Both miracles reveal that Jesus was impressed with their great faith. And, both miracles were performed from a distance, a feat that symbolized incredible power to the Jews.
Monday: The Widow’s Son — Luke 7:11-17
Interrupting a funeral was a blatant breach of Jewish law and custom; touching the bier exposed Jesus to a day’s uncleanness (Numbers 19:21-22); touching the corpse exposed him to a week’s uncleanness (Numbers 5:2-3; 19:11-20). But in Jesus’ case, the influence went in the other direction. Jesus’ sinlessness and selflessness gave Him amazing compassion. Our sin and self-focus inhibit our ability to care. From this we infer, gladly, that Jesus has a heart that is big enough for our sorrows. His compassion and empathy are real: “His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Tuesday: Honoring John the Baptist — Matthew 11:2-15; Luke 7:18-29
John the Baptist was imprisoned in the fortress of Machaerus for denouncing the adulterous marriage between Herod Antipas and Herodias. The fact the Jewish leaders did nothing showed not only their attitude toward John, but also toward Jesus, whom John had proclaimed. By a show of miraculous power, Jesus confirmed to John’s disciples that He was the Christ. After they departed, Jesus characterized John as a man of conviction and great courage, and as the greatest of all the prophets.
Wednesday: A Childish Generation — Matthew 11:16-19; Luke 7:30-35
Jesus quoted a couplet that children shouted to one another when they wouldn’t join in games with the others, applying it to the behavior of the Pharisees and lawyers. First they complained that John didn’t dance. Then they complained that Jesus didn’t weep. There was no way to please the self-righteous, religious establishment because they held a deep dislike for heavenly wisdom. They demonized John and scandalized Jesus.
Thursday: Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum — Matthew 11:20-30
These 3 cites were where Jesus had done some of His most significant miracles. The Lord compares them to three very wicked Gentile cities, cities that would have repented had they seen the same miracles. Jesus then declared that true discipleship can be enjoyed by any who come in childlike faith.
Friday: Simon’s Discourtesy — Luke 7:36-39
Simon’s inviting Jesus to dine with him was overlaid with a nasty animosity, for Simon omitted the common courtesies accorded any dinner guest. Normally the host placed his hand on the guest’s shoulder and gave him the kiss of peace, a guest’s sandals were removed and his feet were washed when he entered or while he reclined at the table, and they were also anointed with a touch of olive oil: no such kindnesses for Jesus. But there was a sinful woman from the city who poured herself out at Jesus’ feet…
Saturday: A Woman Forgiven — Luke 7:40-50
The only way to approach God is with faith and sincere repentance. Human morality and good works will not save us, nor give us favor with God. All of us have gone astray. All of us have fallen far short of perfection. Yet we, like Simon, often try to show ourselves better than others by making comparisons. But we all need the Savior. Perfect and sinless, Jesus was crucified, the perfect for the imperfect, so that any could have life.