Faith, Compassion, and the Power of Jesus (Luke 7:1–17)
Sometimes we wonder: Does God care about my problems? Does my faith really matter? In Luke 7:1–17, we find two stories that give us a powerful answer. One is about a Roman officer whose servant was about to die. The other is about a grieving widow who had just lost her only son. In both cases, Jesus steps in—not only with power but with deep love and care.
Let’s take a closer look.
A Roman Officer Who Truly Believed
The first story happens in the town of Capernaum. A Roman army officer (called a centurion) had a servant who was very sick and close to death. The officer cared deeply for this servant, so he asked some Jewish leaders to speak to Jesus on his behalf.
What’s interesting is that the officer didn’t ask Jesus to come to his house. In fact, he said he didn’t feel worthy for Jesus to enter. He believed that if Jesus simply said the word, his servant would be healed.
Jesus was amazed by this man’s faith. He said that He hadn’t found this kind of trust even among the people of Israel! And just like that, without ever visiting the house, Jesus healed the servant from a distance.
What can we learn?
Real faith is about trusting Jesus, even when we can’t see how things will work out. This Roman officer believed in Jesus’ power, and Jesus responded.
Jesus Comforts a Grieving Mother
Soon after, Jesus went to a town called Nain. As He arrived, He saw a funeral procession. A young man had died—the only son of a widow. In that time, losing your only son meant losing everything: family, support, and hope.
When Jesus saw the woman, His heart was filled with compassion. He told her, “Don’t cry.” Then, He walked up to the coffin, touched it, and said, “Young man, get up.”
And the young man sat up and started talking!
The people watching were stunned. They were filled with awe and began praising God, saying, “God has come to help His people!”
What does this show us?
Jesus doesn’t just have power—He has compassion. He sees our pain, and He cares deeply. Even when things seem beyond hope, He can bring life and healing.
What These Stories Teach Us Today
These two miracles might seem very different, but they teach some important lessons that still apply today:
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Faith matters. The Roman officer believed Jesus could help—even without seeing it happen—and his faith amazed Jesus.
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Jesus cares deeply. He wasn’t too busy or distant to stop and comfort a brokenhearted mother.
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Jesus has real power. He healed sickness and even raised the dead. That same power is still at work today.
A Few Questions to Think About
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Do I believe that Jesus can help me, even when I don’t understand how?
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Am I willing to bring my needs to Him with humble faith?
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How can I show compassion like Jesus did to those around me?
Final Thoughts
Whether you feel like the Roman officer—hoping for a miracle—or like the widow—heartbroken and out of options—Jesus meets us with both power and love. He doesn’t just solve problems; He cares about the people behind them.
These two stories remind us that no matter who we are or what we’re going through, we can come to Jesus. He sees us, He hears us, and He acts with kindness and strength.
So today, let’s bring our faith, our needs, and our hearts to Him—and trust that He’s still working in powerful and personal ways.
Luke 7:1-17 (WEB)
7:1 After he had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, he entered into Capernaum. 2 A certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and save his servant. 4 When they came to Jesus, they begged him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he built our synagogue for us.” 6 Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7 Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” 10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.11 Soon afterwards, he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. 12 Now when he came near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only born son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Don’t cry.” 14 He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 He who was dead sat up and began to speak. Then he gave him to his mother.16 Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” 17 This report went out concerning him in the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.