Luke 7: Five People of Faith
AN ARTIST FRIEND struggled over the exclusive claim of the Christian faith. Is Jesus really the only way to God? Growing up in a pluralistic society had conditioned her to resist such an intolerant position. Because she was still interested, some Christians pressured her to "accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord." She could not. But she privately pursued the Gospels. She began to note how differently people approached Jesus and how personally he treated each of them. Gradually she saw a distinction: There is indeed only one way to God—through Jesus Christ—but there are many ways to Jesus Christ. Today we meet five persons with diverse backgrounds and varying approaches to Jesus—all different in expressing faith in Jesus.
Warming Up to God
When is it hard for you to accept the idea that there is only one way to God?
Read Luke 7. »
Discovering the Word
- Note the distinctive background of each of the five individuals who met Jesus. How are their backgrounds different?
- What do they all have in common as they relate to Jesus?
- Picture the two processions in verses 11-13 meeting just outside the town gate. There is no request for help, no sign of faith from the widow. But look at Jesus himself in verses 13-15. What does this focus suggest about another dimension of faith in God's power?
- Despite the Pharisees' public rejection of Jesus, one of them invites him to dinner. A drama unfolds (vv. 36-50). The woman's faith in Jesus is obvious. But Simon shows signs of some kind of faith in Jesus (vv. 36a, 39, 40b). How does Jesus proceed to draw out his faith?
- Jesus' interaction with the woman is vastly different from his interaction with Simon. What does this indicate about his understanding of each?
Applying the Word
- It was physically easy for Jesus to touch the dead man. But in doing so, he ritualistically contaminated himself. In our society what comparable risks might we have to take to help needy people?
- Of the five people you have looked at, with whom can you more readily identify? How does she/he challenge your faith in Jesus as Friend and Lord?
Responding in Prayer
Pray for courage to take risks in reaching out to those around you who are open to learning about Christ.
For Further Study
Are All Religions One? by Douglas Groothuis