A Beloved Servant - verses 1-10
The account of the centurion's servant. Scripture records he was 'dear unto him' the Revised Version says 'precious', I quite like that rendering. Of course our minds go to the other 'Beloved Servant', of whom Isaiah said "Behold my servant... in whom my soul delighteth"...
We remember that he did always those things that pleased the Father... we remember that he was always about his Father's business.
His was a life of faultless and perfect service. A life lived for others!
Conversely we think of the cruel yet true words of the scribes and the Pharisees at Calvary who said, "he saved others, himself he cannot save". But his service for God was perfect and complete, he could cry from the cross "it is finished!" Praise God for the finished work of Calvary!
An Only Begotten Son - verses 11-18
Here we have the widow of Nain mourning the death of her only son, what a sad and desperate scene.
We think of another beloved son, an only begotten son!
"This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased"
John 3:16 tells us that "...He gave His only begotten Son..."
We remember that he spared not his Son, but delivered him up for us all.
As we think about Christ as the Son of God, we think again of the words of the scribes and Pharisees on Calvary - "He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God."
We bless God that He could say from the cross "FATHER, into Thy hands I commend my spirit"
God raised him from the dead the third day and he ascended to God's right hand where he lives forevermore!
A Worshipping Sinner - verses 36-50
As we look at the close of the chapter and we see that sinful woman creep into the house of Simon the Pharisee and worship the Lord Jesus with that outpouring of affection and devotion, surely in this we see a picture of ourselves today?
The Lord could say to her "thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace" surely this is our situation as we worship the Saviour? Sinners saved by grace, we return to give God the thanks and the praise for the person and work of his beloved Son.
The Saviours words in response to the disgust and cynicism of Simon are lovely - "her sins, which are many are forgiven, for she loved much"
We remember that we love Him because He first loved us... whom having not seen ye love.
Again we contrast these lovely scenes with the Saviour with the cold hearted thoughts of the Pharisee, he poured scorn on the notion that this Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God, as he had dared to let such a sinful woman into his presence let alone touch him!
Not so with the Saviour - our blessed Lord used the opportunity to teach Simon a valuable lesson in love...
So it is with us - that we should ever enter into the presence of God to speak well of his Son and worship Him. What a blessing and privilege is ours!
"He brings a poor vile sinner, into His house of wine!"
God bless.
