Forming Faith Blog

The Roman and the Widow (Luke 7)

Posted on January 29 2025 by Gregory Rawn

When Jesus encountered someone in need, whether through someone’s plea or on his own, he acted with power and love, doing the impossible: healing long distance and raising the widow’s dead son.

Older and younger hands touching. Jesus helped the widow by raising her son from the dead.
Jesus Heals

Back in Nazareth, at the beginning of his ministry, Jesus told his former neighbors his mission:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 4:18-12

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Jesus is not limiting his ministry to people who are poor, captive, blind, and oppressed. These were (roughly) the groups mentioned in the passage from Isaiah Jesus had read. Truly, Jesus came for all people who are suffering and in need of help.

Ministry Continues

In this week’s text, Jesus continues his traveling ministry, entering the area of Capernaum. He continues to teach and heal those he encounters. The disciples follow Jesus, and word begins to spread about his ministry, even though many are unsure of his identity or purpose. Jesus’ ministry and actions continue to surprise those around him.

The Gentile

Jesus began traveling around Galilee providing healing and welcome. A centurion—a Roman military commander—had heard about Jesus and sent his friends to request that Jesus might heal his slave. Jesus went to find the centurion and the slave. Before he arrived, the centurion had faith that Jesus could heal his slave with just a word, without even seeing him. And Jesus did just that.

When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”

Luke 7:9
The Widow

Later, Jesus encountered a widow whose son had just died. She would have no one to take care of her, and Jesus knew how difficult it would be for her. The death of her son not only left her without a beloved family member but also without social or economic status. A childless widow would be considered among the most vulnerable in society, with no close male relatives to protect or support her. Jesus showed her compassion by raising her son from the dead.

An interesting thing to note: no one asked for Jesus’ help here. I cannot say for certain, but this is one of the few stories of Jesus healing that didn’t start with a plea (though most of the exorcism stories also didn’t begin with a request). He saw a need and filled it. What more, he resolved this issue by doing something nigh impossible: raising someone from the dead! No wonder fear seized the bystanders before they began glorifying God and spreading the news (like the shepherds it seems).

Inclusion 

Jesus healed a centurion’s slave and raised to life the only son of a widow. The centurion was not Jewish, but a representative of their military oppressors, even if a benevolent one, and many are surprised that Jesus’ ministry would include someone like this. Yet, the centurion was praised for his faith.

Jesus took time to help the widow in great need, who had lost her husband and now her only son. Jesus takes time to be with those that others ignore or exclude. Jesus’ ministry of healing and welcome is for everyone; for those who were on the edges of society in Israel, and for each of us as well, no matter our background or situation.

What about Us?

While we might not have a gift of miracles, Jesus still calls us to follow his lead. When someone pleaded for his help, he gave what help he could (which was a lot). When he saw a need, he volunteered what help he could (which was even more). We, too, can love and serve others, just as Jesus loves and serves us. And we can do that at almost any age!

Blessings,

Gregory Rawn (Publisher)

This post is adapted from one originally written for February 7, 2021.

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