Luke 7:1-10
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage, Jesus moves from proclamation to a demonstration of the inbreaking of the Kingdom of Heaven. Read Luke 7:1-10 noticing the ways Jesus’ actions reflect what he has been teaching about life in the Kingdom of God.
Israel was occupied by the Roman government during Jesus’ lifetime, and even though the Romans generally tolerated Israel’s religious practices, they were brutal and oppressive in many other ways. This makes Luke’s account of Jesus’ encounter with this particular Roman officer especially surprising. This story is a living illustration of the teaching Jesus just gave to a group of Israelites at the base of the mountain, and though he wasn’t there to hear Jesus teach, the Roman officer seems to understand implicitly.
Recall the first Beatitude spoken by Jesus at the foot of the mountain: “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours.”
Now meditate for a moment on the deep humility and poverty of spirit demonstrated by the Roman officer: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself by coming to my home, for I am not worthy of such an honor. I am not even worthy to come and meet you.”
Read Luke 7:1-10 again.
Luke does not tell us how this Roman official knows about Jesus, but it’s safe to say that the buzz around Jesus’ healing ministry has not gone unnoticed by the occupying government. But rather than seeing Jesus as a threat, this officer recognizes Jesus’ divine power and authority and sees him through eyes of faith.
And even though he never lays eyes on the man, Jesus sees him and recognizes his compassionate heart - and Jesus shows this foreign oppressor and all who are watching what love in action looks like. Jesus loves and blesses his enemy, and the Kingdom of God breaks through.
Contemplate the words of Jesus to his disciple, Thomas, as recorded in John’s Gospel:
“Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” – John 20:29
Then get still and center yourself on the presence of Jesus. Just listen.
What is Jesus saying to you through the example of the Roman officer?
What will you do about that?
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