Tag Archives: humility

The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28) Commentary

by

0


She was a gentile, but she knew who Jesus was, even enough to call him a descendant of David.
She begged aloud for compassion and the healing of her daughter. Jesus deliberately did not answer. It was the disciples who would acknowledge her, urging Jesus to send her away, because she was annoying them. Jesus addresses her. He says he was sent to only God’s chosen people, descendants of Jacob. She kneels before him and persistently begs. He answers even more definitively, now, saying he won’t take the bread (God’s Word, salvation, providence, Jesus the bread of life) from the children (Descendants of Jacob, God’s chosen people) and give it to the dogs (gentiles, those who did not know God). The woman’s pride did not overtake her. Her motivation was the healing of her daughter. She believed Jesus could do this. He was her hope. She responds, that though not a child of Israel, she still understood the power of God, and she too, needed him to save her. She would take even a crumb of his mercy. Jesus granted her request because of her faith. Humble yourself and be exalted. This woman, Jesus allowed the disciples to respond to. They responded without compassion. Jesus did not rebuke them. He used the opportunity to prove that God’s grace was indeed for everyone. He allowed her to demonstrate her faith, and her belief, so she may be shown to be an adopted chilld of God. It was a lesson, and a preview of the future church Jesus would build, and that his grace would extend to all people.

The Centurion (Luke 7:1-10) Commentary

by

0


A centurion was an officer of the Roman Army, in charge of 100 soldiers. This one’s servant was suffering a life-threatening illness. The centurion had heard of a man named “Jesus”, who could perform healings and miracles. Though he had never met or seen him, Jesus became his hope. He did not feel worthy enough to approach Jesus, because he was sinner. The centurion was a friend to the Jews, and even built their synagogue, but was not a Jew himself.
He sent some elders of the synagagoue, to go on his behalf, and ask Jesus to heal his servant. At this time, it appears these elders had no issue with the ministry of Jesus. They certainly cared for their friend to approach Jesus for his sake. They appealed to Jesus and present the man as “deserving” because of his works for the Jewish nation. Jesus went because he was asked. Prestige and works did not influence who he healed.
On his way, Jesus is stopped by more friends of the centurion who have a message from him. The centurion was apparently well respected among his peers, to have so many concerned for the well being of his servant. Likewise, the centurion cared much for his servant, to enlist so many to his aid. The attitude of the centurion toward himself is much different than those around him. He humbles himself, and says he is not worthy to have Jesus in his house. The centurion identifies himself as a man under and of authority, and knows the power of words of those in authority.  He acknowedges the power of Jesus, as given authority from God.
The words then, would be enough to heal his servant. Jesus is amazed at the man’s faith. The centurion had never even seen Jesus, or his work. Jesus says he had never seen such faith in Israel, the land of God’s people. No one trusted in the power of God as this man did. We should have the same faith in Jesus. We only ask someone to do something if we believe they are capable of doing it. Nothing is impossible with God. The humility of centurion had exalted him, not just among his friends, who unquestioningly came to his aid, but also to God.

The Christian Life (Romans 12:9-21) Commentary

by

0


Staying on a righteous path is can be a difficult challenge in a world of evil. We are faced with temptations, with terrible events putting us in difficult situations. If we know to hate what is evil, we will know to stay on the right path. Love one another, and love your enemies,  as Jesus asks. Stay humble, as He was, and you will be exalted. Give freely to those in need, remembering always what God gave to you. Be devoted to Jesus above all else! Times will come when you feel discouraged and weary, but in those times we need to be more dedicated to our God, and stand firm in our faith. Love your neighbor, celebrate their good times and support them in their troubles. Be Peaceful. Pride comes before the fall, and leads to sin. Do not let sin take hold, but focus on what is good, which is healthy in all aspects of life. Love must be sincere. Love God, Love your neighbor. Consider the qualities of love:   

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  - 1Corinthians 13:4-7

 

Amen.