Notes on Luke 7:12-35

Luke 7:12

carried out. Specific term for carrying a dead body out of town for burial. The typical procedure is described as follows. After ensuring death had occurred, the family will display their mourning through torn clothes. The dead body was then prepared for burial. This usually happened the same day to prevent decomposition. On the way to the grave, the body was wrapped and carried on a bier so all could see it (v. 14). only son . . . widow. Luke emphasized the woman's desperate situation. She is now without any family or means of providing for herself. large crowd. Funerals were an important event in first-century Jewish life. Normal activities ended for people to join the one mourning.

Luke 7:13

Lord. Not merely a title carried over from the previous account (v. 6). Luke used it here to reflect on Jesus's authority and compassion (v. 16; Isa. 54:7-10). deeply moved. God is not indifferent to the sufferings of his people (Ps. 34:15-18).

Luke 7:14-15

touched. Contact with a corpse was forbidden by the law and made one ritually unclean (vv. 5:12-14; 8:54; Num. 19:11, 16). However, such was Jesus's power that he did not receive any defilement. Instead, he imparted life to the dead. I say . . . arise. No mention is made of faith (see note on vv. 7-8). Jesus speaks and his words brings life (8:48; John 11:43; see Gen. 1:3-31; Ezek. 37:9-10).

Luke 7:15

The man responded to Jesus's command by rising and speaking. gave him to his mother. The same wording used by Elijah after raising a young man back to life (1 Kgs. 17:23).

Luke 7:16

fear. Holy awe came over the people, which led to their worship of God. great prophet. The people recognized the prophetic nature of Jesus's ministry (4:23-24; 7:39; 9:8, 19; 13:33; 22:64; 24:19; Acts 3:22; 7:37). By calling him a great prophet, they saw similarities between his ministry and that of Elijah and Elisha (see notes on vv. 11, 15; 4:24-26). However, the people were still unsure of exact nature of Jesus's identity and mission (9:19).

Answering Men from John the Baptist - Luke 7:18-35

Jesus encouraged John's wavering faith. He also affirmed God's plan and rebuked those who were opposed to it.

Luke 7:18

Though John was in prison (3:18-20; Matt. 11:2), he had contact with his disciples who told him of Jesus's teaching and miracles.

Luke 7:19-20

John heard the divine affirmation of Jesus (Matt. 3:13-17) and declared that Jesus was the lamb of God (John 1:29). Thus, he expected messianic blessings as well as judgment (3:15-17). But such things did not happen in the time or manner that he expected. Understandably, John questioned whether or not he was really the Christ.

Luke 7:21-22

Jesus responded to John with great kindness. In the presence of John's disciples, he performed many miracles which displayed his power and authority. Jesus then intentionally pointed to six works: blind . . . receiving sight (4:18; 18:35-43; Isa. 29:18; 35:5; 42:18), lame . . . walking (5:17-26; Isa. 34:56; Acts 3:1-10; 8:7; 14:8-10), lepers . . . cleansed (5:12-16; 17:11-19; 2 Kgs. 5:1-19), deaf . . . hearing (1:22, 64; 11:14; Isa. 29:18; 35:5; 42:18), dead . . . raised (7:11-17; 8:40-56; 1 Kgs. 17:17-24; Isa. 26:19; Acts 9:36-43), needy . . . told good news (4:18; 6:20; Isa 61:1). As noted, all of these are specific messianic promises from Isaiah. John also understood his role as the forerunner promised by Isaiah (see 3:4-6 and notes). Thus, Jesus wanted to encourage John's faith by showing the fulfillment of these promises (see Matt. 12:20). The blessings of the kingdom were dawning, though judgment would come later.

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