2. And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
3. And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.
4. And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this.
5. For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.
6. Then Jesus went with them. And when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself; for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof;
7. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee; but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
8. For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
9. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
10. And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
11. And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow; and much people of the city was with her.
13. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14. And he came and touched the bier; and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
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.
(Memorize verses 14-16.)
Golden Text: “They glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us.” Luke 7:16.
NOTE.—The lesson section includes the whole seventh chapter of Luke. Parallel passages are Matt. 8:5-13; 11:2-19. In this chapter are illustrated four methods in which Jesus helped men,—help in sickness, shown by healing the centurion’s servant; help in death, illustrated by raising the widow’s son; help in spiritual depression, his message to John in prison; and salvation to all classes of sinners, shown by his remarks and acts at the feast given by a Pharisee. The subject of miracles is still dwelt upon. Capernaum was situated on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, and Nain was twenty-five miles southwest, about seven miles from Nazareth.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
(1) Who was sick? Verse 2. Note . (2) What did the centurion do when he heard of Jesus? Verse 3. (3) How faithfully was his errand carried out? Verses 4, 5. Note . (4) What effect did this message have? Verse 6. (5) Who met Jesus on the way? Same verse. (6) What message did they bear? Same verse. (7) How did the centurion manifest his faith? Verse 7. (8) What reason did he give for this remarkable message? Verse 8. Note . (9) How did this episode affect Jesus? Verse 8. Note . (10) What did the messengers find on returning home? Verse 10. Note . (11) Where did Jesus next go, and who accompanied him? Verse 11. (12) What sad company did he meet near the gate of the city? Verse 12. Note . (13) How did the sight of such sorrow affect Jesus? Verse 13. Note . (14) What did he then do and say? Verse 14. Note . (15) What immediately took place? Verse 15. (16) How did this scene affect the witnesses, and what did they say? Verse 16. Note .
