[When Jesus returned to Capernaum,] the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. "If anyone deserves your help, he does," they said, "for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us."
—Luke 7:2-5 NLT
In a world of prejudice and rank, this is a story that warms the heart and points us to our better selves! While Jews plead the case of a non-Jew to Jesus, an officer of rank pleads the case of his slave. Their concern transcends racial and social differences as they ask Jesus for grace. Of course, for Jesus, these distinctions didn't make any difference at all, but they did to the people of his day. This story is a great reminder that in the grace of Jesus, race, rank, and reputation pale in comparison to his desire to save and bless all people who will come to him as Lord.
O Lord God Almighty, please forgive me for the barriers I have erected and the labels that I allow to come between me and others who so desperately need your grace. I know each person is precious to you, O God. Please use me to help your people become more open to all peoples so that our earthly reality can mirror the complete racial and social diversity, and the glorious equality that exist in the glory of heaven. In Jesus' name, I pray this. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Luke 7:2-5 NLT
Key Thought
In a world of prejudice and rank, this is a story that warms the heart and points us to our better selves! While Jews plead the case of a non-Jew to Jesus, an officer of rank pleads the case of his slave. Their concern transcends racial and social differences as they ask Jesus for grace. Of course, for Jesus, these distinctions didn't make any difference at all, but they did to the people of his day. This story is a great reminder that in the grace of Jesus, race, rank, and reputation pale in comparison to his desire to save and bless all people who will come to him as Lord.
Today's Prayer
O Lord God Almighty, please forgive me for the barriers I have erected and the labels that I allow to come between me and others who so desperately need your grace. I know each person is precious to you, O God. Please use me to help your people become more open to all peoples so that our earthly reality can mirror the complete racial and social diversity, and the glorious equality that exist in the glory of heaven. In Jesus' name, I pray this. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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