Marvelous Faith
When Jesus Draws Near
Luke 7:1–17
Life is a blend of what we can control and what we can’t. Every day we’re learning to tell the difference. Do I take responsibility and act? Or do I embrace weakness and accept my limits?
Author Andy Crouch calls this tension “the blend of authority and vulnerability.” Authority is the capacity for meaningful action; vulnerability is exposure to meaningful risk. We’re both strong and weak—bone and flesh. Faithful living is learning which to bring forward in any given moment.
In Luke 7, Jesus meets two people standing right in that tension: a Roman centurion whose servant is near death, and a widowed mother whose only son has just died. Both stories reveal what happens when Jesus draws near.
Marvelous Faith
(Luke 7:1-10 · Galatians 6:7 · Hebrews 11:6)
The centurion—a man of authority—shows remarkable humility. Though he could have commanded, he instead confesses, “I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.”
At first others appeal to Jesus on the man’s worthiness. But when Jesus gets close, the centurion appeals only to Jesus’ authority, not his own: “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”
Jesus marvels at this. Scripture says, “Not even in Israel have I found such faith.” What amazes Jesus isn’t moral achievement or status—it’s faith: humble trust that re-orders the world and welcomes God’s kingdom into it.
Faith is marvelous because it joins our small authority with our deep vulnerability. It entrusts everything to God’s character rather than our control. “Without faith,” Hebrews says, “it is impossible to please God.” Jesus still marvels at faith like that.
Marvelous Sorrow
(Luke 7:11-15 · Psalm 13 · Psalm 42)
From Capernaum Jesus walks nearly a day south to Nain. There, two crowds meet—one following Jesus, the other following a funeral procession. A widow weeps for her only son.
Luke writes, “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her.” The Greek word splanchnizomai means a gut-level ache—grief that doubles you over. Jesus feels that kind of pain and moves toward her.
First, he speaks words of comfort: “Do not weep.” Then he acts with power: “Young man, I say to you, arise.” The dead sit up; life returns.
Jesus meets sorrow with both emotion and authority. He doesn’t stand above our pain; he steps into it. His compassion validates our tears, but his power assures us that tears will not have the last word.
As David once asked, “How long, O Lord?”—Jesus answers that question with resurrection.
Marvelous Savior
(Luke 7:16-17 · Ephesians 2:13-14)
Two people—one powerful, one powerless. Two outcomes—both restored when Jesus comes close.
The crowds proclaim, “God has visited his people!” That’s the thread through every verse:
He entered Capernaum.
He went with them.
He drew near.
He touched.
Jesus’ nearness transforms everything. Our formation isn’t mainly about being good but about being with. When Christ draws near—through his Word, his Spirit, and his people—faith rises, sorrow softens, and hope returns.
As Paul writes, “You who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace.”
The cross is the ultimate picture of authority and vulnerability united. In his wounds, Jesus carries our weakness and wields God’s power for our healing. As Augustine said, “He came nearer to us than we are to ourselves.”
So whether you feel strong like the centurion or broken like the widow, hear this good news: when Jesus draws near, he makes us whole. He honors our pain, humbles our pride, and offers life that never ends.
He is—and always will be—a marvelous Savior.
Reflection Questions
Where are you being invited to exercise authority—and where to embrace vulnerability?
How has Jesus drawn near to you in times of faith or sorrow?
What might marvelous faith look like in your current circumstances?
How can you draw near to others with the same compassion Christ shows to you?
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