Luke 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

What does Luke 7:23 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:23 contains a statement from Jesus in response to the disciples of John the Baptist, who had been sent to inquire if Jesus was indeed the expected Messiah.

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus addresses the crowd concerning John's role and greatness. Jesus affirms His messianic role but makes it clear that His ministry may not align with the people's expectations of a political or military savior.

The verse implies that receiving the blessings associated with Jesus's ministry requires a lack of offense or stumbling in one's faith due to these unmet expectations.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

During the time of Jesus, Israel was under Roman occupation, and the Jewish people were looking for a Messiah who would liberate them from the political and military power of Rome.

John the Baptist had a significant ministry preparing the way for Jesus and questioned if Jesus was the one they had been expecting, as his ministry did not seem to fulfill the nationalistic hopes of the people.

Jesus's response and the blessings referred to in Luke 7:23 would have been understood in the context of a people struggling with Roman oppression and seeking a powerful deliverer.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse is viewed as an encouragement to faith and a warning against taking offense at Jesus's mission and person.

Christian theologians often interpret the "offense" as a stumbling block to faith.

It is a call to trust in Jesus despite any misunderstandings about his nature or the manner in which he would fulfill the prophecies concerning the Messiah.

It also touches on the messianic secret, which posits that Jesus's identity as the Messiah is revealed progressively and is often veiled to those unwilling to abandon their preconceptions.

Practical Applications

Practically, Luke 7:23 can inspire believers to maintain faith even when circumstances challenge their expectations.

It is a reminder that following Jesus may lead to questioning and doubts, particularly when there seems to be a divergence between expectations and reality. The application is to persevere in faith, avoiding the offense that can lead one away from the blessings of a relationship with Christ.

Cross-References

Matthew 11:6: "And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
Isaiah 8:14: "And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem."
Romans 9:32-33: "Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law.

For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

Language Study

The original Greek for "offended" in Luke 7:23 is "σκανδαλισθῇ" (skandalisthēi), from the root "σκάνδαλον" (skandalon), meaning a stumbling block or cause of falling. This word signifies something that causes a moral or spiritual hindrance or challenge to one's faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions and myths, the concept of a stumbling block can also be found, often as a test or trial for adherents or heroes. In Greek mythology, characters are frequently faced with challenges that test their faith and allegiance to the gods.

However, what sets this Christian teaching apart is that the stumbling block is the central figure of the religion, Jesus, and how people react to his unexpected role and mission.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the essence of this verse does not directly intersect with empirical findings.

However, the psychological concept of cognitive dissonance can be relevant to understanding the human tendency to feel challenged or offended when encountering information that does not align with pre-existing beliefs or expectations.

Commentaries

The Pulpit Commentary notes that by this blessedness being conditioned on lack of offense in Him, Jesus stresses the inwardness of the kingdom He was bringing, in contrast to the outward political freedom expected by many.
Matthew Henry's Commentary explains that this "blessedness" extends to all those who do not reject Christ because His kingdom is not of this world, or because His miracles are not grand enough to their liking.
The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that the verse is Jesus's way of saying that His works should be enough to confirm His identity, and those who are not turned away by the unexpected nature of His works are "blessed."

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 7:23 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?