Notes on Luke 6:46-7:17

Luke 6:46-49

In these final verses, Jesus brought together his previous instruction about teachers. He emphasized the importance of listening to him and building one's life on him.

Luke 6:46

Lord, Lord. In the immediate context of what's going on, the title Lord would have been an address of respect. It would have been used for religious or political leaders as a form of address like sir, teacher, or master. If people recognized him as a spiritual leader, then they must listen to him and do what he says.

Luke 6:47

Obedience to Jesus is essential for his disciples (11:28; Matt. 12:50; John 13:17; 14:15, 24; 15:14). Those who come to him, must also hear him, and obey him (Rom. 2:13; Jam. 1:22-25).

Luke 6:48-49

The final image is a powerful one and make clear the dangers of ignoring Jesus. The picture is of two men building a house. One digs deep and lays a foundation on solid rock. The other man is content is simply build on the top layer of the ground. When a flood came, only one house remained unshaken and only man survived. Those that hear and obey Jesus are the ones laying a well built foundation. This enables them to survive the floods of life in this world as well as the final judgment (11:28; see Lev. 26:1-46; Deut. 28:1-68).

More Teaching and Miracles - Luke 7:1-17

Luke recorded two instances of Jesus's healing. Both show his power and authority, even over death. The healing at the request of a centurion looked ahead to the inclusion of the Gentiles among God's people.

Luke 7:1

Luke provided a transition from Jesus's teaching from the Sermon on the Plain and the narratives that follow.

Luke 7:2

centurion. An officer in the Roman army who commanded up to 100 soldiers, though actual numbers varied. Such men were required to be at least 30 years old, literate, with letters of recommendation, and a few years of active military service (De Re Militari, II, 14).

Luke 7:3

heard about Jesus. This happened in Capernaum and Luke already said that Jesus taught and performed many miracles there (4:23). John recorded a specific story of a Gentile official's son who was healed by Jesus (John 4:50). It's possible that the centurion heard about Jesus from the official. Perhaps the centurion believed that Jesus can do again what he did for the official's son (see vv. 7-9). elders. Not members of the Sanhedrin, but local Jewish leaders.

Luke 7:4-5

Beyond the financial contribution, this centurion may have been a God-fearer like Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2). If so, he would have worshipped the God of Israel though had not become a full convert.

Luke 7:6

Lord. A word which can simply mean sir but takes on greater significance within the narrative (see 5:8; 6:46). not worthy. This speaks to the centurion's humility. It's also an interesting contrast to the testimony of the Jews (v. 4). under my roof. Some see a concern for Jewish traditions ritual purity in this. However, the centurion's humility and faith (v. 7) are emphasized. Thus, we should see his reluctance to have Jesus travel to his house as an indication of his understanding of Jesus's identity.

Luke 7:7-8

authority Centurions were under several authorities, including the Primus Pilus, but ultimately, under the authority of Caesar. He observed the same kind of spiritual authority in Jesus. say a word. True faith knows that God's power to heal is not dependent on any ritual, incentive, or external aid. His word alone is powerful (Ps. 107:20; Matt. 8:16; Heb. 11:3).

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