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 7:30 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:30 captures a moment of profound decision and consequence.

In the context of this passage, Jesus is addressing the crowd about John the Baptist's role and the responses of different people to his ministry.

The Pharisees and lawyers, who were influential religious leaders and experts in the Jewish law respectively, are noted to have rejected the purpose of God for themselves.

It indicates that they did not accept the baptism offered by John, who was calling people to repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, whom Christians believe is Jesus.

This rejection symbolizes their refusal to accept the transformative pathway that John's baptism represented, effectively turning away from God's redemptive plan for them as revealed through John's ministry.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

At the time of this narrative, Judaism was marked by various religious sects, of which the Pharisees were a prominent group known for their strict adherence to the Law of Moses and their added traditions.

The lawyers, or scribes, were experts in the Law and often associated with the Pharisees.

John the Baptist emerged as a significant religious figure calling for repentance and baptizing people as a sign of their commitment to change their lives in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God.

Baptism was not a new concept to the Jews, as ritual washings were part of Jewish purification rites.

However, John's baptism carried a different connotation, it was a public declaration of repentance and preparation for the coming Messiah.

Theological Insights

This verse is often interpreted theologically as highlighting the hardness of heart and spiritual blindness of the religious leaders.

From a Christian theological perspective, the verse underscores the danger of rejecting God's revelation and the means He provides for communion with Him. It also serves to contrast the openness of the common people, who accepted John's baptism, with the resistance of the religious elite.

From a broader theological viewpoint, this rejection by the Pharisees and lawyers might represent the human tendency to resist change and divine prompting, especially when it challenges established religious structures and personal pride.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Luke 7:30 encourages introspection and humble acceptance of divine guidance.

It warns against the dangers of self-righteousness and spiritual complacency that can blind individuals to the need for personal transformation.

Modern readers are reminded to be open to the ways God may be working in their lives and the lives of others and to not dismiss or reject opportunities for spiritual growth and renewal.

Cross-References

Matthew 21:31-32: "Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first.

Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.

For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him."

Matthew 3:7: "But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
John 5:40: "And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life."

Language Study

The original Greek text for key terms in Luke 7:30 includes:

"rejected" (ἠθέτησαν): to annul or set aside, indicating a conscious dismissal.
"counsel" (βουλὴν): can mean will, purpose, or counsel.

In this case, it refers to God's purpose or plan.

"baptized" (βαπτισθέντες): aorist passive participle of "baptize," meaning to be immersed or washed, symbolizing purification or initiation.

These terms highlight the decisive action taken by the religious leaders to dismiss God's plan and thereby resist the baptism of John.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religions, the rejection of divine messages by religious authorities is a recurring theme.

For example, in Greco-Roman myths, prophets or seers like Cassandra in the Trojan War were often disbelieved despite their divine insights.

Comparative religious interpretations might see a parallel in the Pharisees’ response to John the Baptist as akin to societal rejection of change-bringers and truth-tellers.

Scientific Perspectives

A scientific approach to this verse would not directly engage with its theological claims but might explore the psychological phenomena of cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias, which can cause individuals to reject new information that conflicts with their existing beliefs.

The Pharisees and lawyers' rejection of John's baptism might partially be explained by their established beliefs and the social implications of accepting John's radical call to repentance.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars interpret Luke 7:30 with a consensus on its depiction of the religious leaders' resistance to John's prophetic role.

John Calvin comments on their pride and self-security as the cause of their rejection of John's baptism.

Matthew Henry notes their folly in going against the counsel of God and reflects on the need for self-examination among readers to ensure they are not similarly resistant.

Contemporary scholars often discuss the verse in light of the broader narrative of confrontation between Jesus and religious authorities, emphasizing its role in illustrating the overall rejection of Jesus' ministry by the Jewish leadership.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:30 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 7:30 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?