What Jesus Did! 'Kindness Displayed' — Luke 7:2-5

Saturday, April 20, 2019

At that time 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
Illustration of Luke 7:2-5 NLT — "If anyone deserves your help, he does," —— "for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us."

Key Thought

In a world of prejudice and rank, this is a story that warms the heart and points us to our better truths! While Jews plead the case of a non-Jew to Jesus, an officer of rank pleads the case of his slave. Of course, for Jesus, these distinctions didn't make a difference, 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 and the labels that I allow to be erected between me and others who are your precious creations and who so desperately need your grace. Use me to help make your people more open to all peoples so that our earthly reality can mirror the complete racial and social diversity and the equality that exist in the glory of heaven. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Galatians 3:26-4:7
  • Ephesians 2:14-18
  • Revelation 7:9-10

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

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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