Contemplative Bible Reading

Luke 7:1-5 (New Living Translation)

When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people, he returned to Capernaum. 2 At that time the highly valued slave of a Roman officer was sick and near death. 3 When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some respected Jewish elders to ask him to come and heal his slave. 4 So they earnestly begged Jesus to help the man. “If anyone deserves your help, he does,” they said, 5 “for he loves the Jewish people and even built a synagogue for us.”

An officer in the hated Roman army had a sick child. This officer believed that Jesus would heal the child.

How to approach Jesus? He sent respected Jewish Elders to Jesus.

The respect by everyone in this (hi)story astounds me. This Gentile respected the abilities that Jesus showed. He respected the love that Jesus showed.

This Gentile also respected social customs

This Gentile also respected Jewish Elders.

Jesus respected the Jewish Elders.

The Jewish Elders respected the Roman officer.

The result? Good, Godly miracles. Praise God.

See what can happen when people respect one another?