The Power Of Jesus Christ

The Authority of Jesus

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

The Power and the Authority of Jesus

Book of John Chapter 2

We know that the first recorded miracle that came by the hands of Jesus was in the City of Cana during a marriage in which His whole earthly family and His disciples had taken part in. His family also continued with Him as they went with Him to Capernaum.

Capernaum had become the place where Jesus and His disciples had made the home base of His ministry. Both Cana and Capernaum were cities in what was called Galilee, but Capernaum was a city on the Sea of Galilee about 18 miles downhill from Cana.

It was in the city of Capernaum where Jesus taught in a synagogue that was probably built by a Roman Centurion.

In fact so many miracles happened in the city of Capernaum that God placed a curse upon this city because the people failed to see Jesus as the Messiah.

Mat 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Mat 11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.

We will see this city mentioned many times as we seek to study the Book of John.

*****Joh 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
Joh 2:13 And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
Joh 2:14 And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

After this means, after the wedding that all the earthly family of the Lord and all the disciples of the Lord attended, they all then went to Capernaum. Capernaum was at a lower elevation or downhill from Cana and their next trip would be up hill all the way to Jerusalem for Feast of the Passover.

We must understand that the pathway to Heaven is not always easy but the view from the top will be wonderful when we get to New Jerusalem.

The annual Passover was a Memorial to freedom but also a symbolic Memorial in memory of that first Passover night in Egypt much like our July the 4th celebration.

It is symbolic because the ultimate fulfillment of the Passover was Mount Calvary where the Lamb of God took away the sins of the entire world.

Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Jesus and those with Him could only stay a few days in Capernaum because it was a long walk up hill all the way to Jerusalem.

The Temple that sat on top of Mount Zion is believed to have covered 30 acres.
The Temple itself was a small ornate building near the center but there were several courtyards each courtyard was separated by its own wall.

There was the courtyard of the priests and only priest could enter there. Only the High Priest could enter into the Holy of Holies and that only once each year.
There was the courtyard of the Israelites and only Jewish men could enter there.
There was the courtyard of women for Jewish women only but on certain occasions could these women worship with the men.
There was the courtyard of the Gentiles, which was the greatest court of all others in size and was intended for Gentiles who were converted to Judaism. These converted Gentiles could be put to death if they tried to enter into the other courtyards.

Remember the Apostle Paul was accused of bringing a Gentile into the place of the priest when He first went back to Jerusalem after his conversion to Christianity.

It was bad enough that oxen and sheep were found on the Temple grounds to be purchased for sacrifice. The people were to bring the best that they owned.

It was bad enough that there were money-changers who converted any money and revenue to Temple money for a profit. It was illegal for the Jews to charge ursury to another Jew in any way.

These things were bad enough but the priest, even the High Priest, shared in the profits of these things, including the High Priests who could have been the only one who sanctioned these things.

The Temple grounds had become like a carnival side show and King Herod loved it because even he was made richer when he collected the taxes.

The Temple brought in much revenue to Jerusalem.

We must understand that the Temple and the Church are to be for the glory of God and not for such things as these!

It was the priest who were rewarded as they collected their reward for allowing these merchants upon the Temple grounds.

They had made merchandise out of God’s people!

The court of the Gentiles had been turned into an open market, a mall, a bazaar.

You know what is so sad? Many a so-churches have done the same thing today!

We hear of Coffee shops and donut shops and God forbid a tavern where even the preacher says he can preach much better after a couple of beers.

These high-ranking Jewish priests had forgotten what the House of the Lord was all about!

The House of God is set for the worship of Jehovah God, the Lord Jesus Christ, in Spirit and Truth, a place for believers to gather to worship in the truth of God and fellowship in the Lord!

*****Joh 2:15 And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables;
Joh 2:16 And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise.

How do we abuse the House of God?

1) We forget God’s holiness while forgetting our duty to reverence God! It is not only our duty to gather in the House of God, but it is our privilege to worship in God’s House.

2) We forget what worship is all about.
3) We misuse the facilities and the buildings of God’s house.
4) We allow “questionable”, non-worship activities in the House of God.

All these things have no purpose in God’s House!

The House of God must be about worship of the Lord and the hospital for lost souls. Every activity at the church must keep these two things in mind!

1) Jesus chased out all those who were buying and selling.
2) Jesus threw over the tables of the moneychangers.
3) Jesus threw over the chairs of the dove dealers.

2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

Jesus called God “My Father” and Jesus called the Temple “My Father’s House”.

Once a place of worship is dedicated to the Lord it belongs to Him!

Every place that is made for the worship of Jehovah God then becomes a House that God built!

The Church is not to be a place for buying or selling. The Church is not to become a bazaar. The Church is not a place for commercial profit. The Church is not a place for stealing or cheating or going against the written Word of God.

The Church is to be a place set aside to worship and that worship directed at Jehovah God, the Lord Jesus Christ or it is not even a Church.
The Church is to be a place to train disciples to send out to make more disciples.
The activities that take place at the Church should be about these two things!

Psa 27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
Psa 27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Psa 27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
Psa 27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

The disciples of the Lord did not ever forget this day when the Lord cleaned out the House of God!

These disciples remembered what was written in the Scriptures!

*****Joh 2:17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Psa 69:9 For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Psa 119:138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Psa 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.
Psa 119:140 Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.
Psa 119:141 I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts.
Psa 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

These disciples remembered what was written in the Scriptures, which showed that they were familiar with the Psalms, the song book of Jews!

They also realized that these Psalms were written of the Messiah.

If we are to be like Jesus Christ (Christian) then we to are to possess such zeal as He showed here in this passage for the House of God!

For instance, how can we expect our lost family members to come to Christ if we do not put forth a great effort, a great zeal, for their salvation and for the truth.

In fact our Pastor has a great zeal to reach the lost but not many members of our church are willing to go house to house to reach out to them. I am guilty of this myself!

Jesus Christ had a great zeal for the House of God, but He did not destroy those things in the Temple, He just stopped what was going on because the House of God has no place for these things.

As is always the case, those who made a profit off of the sales of these things were the true deceivers.

It is most always true that if a crime has been committed we only need to follow the money trail to find those who are the more guilty.

*****Joh 2:18 Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
Joh 2:19 Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Jesus the Messiah had every right to do these things at a place set aside for worship of Jehovah God! This was His house!

These people who had witnessed these things then, showed they belonged to Satan as they tempted the Lord to show them some miracle for proof that He was the Messiah.

The Apostle Peter said that there is not greater proof than the written Word of God.

2Pe 1:15 Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.
2Pe 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
2Pe 1:17 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2Pe 1:18 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.
2Pe 1:19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

As it is today, the “Gospel” of Jesus Christ is still the stumbling block of the Jewish people.

Jesus knew all these things, so He simply said “when this body I have taken is murdered then, I will raise again in 3 days and this would be the only sign that they needed.

Act 10:39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
Act 10:40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
Act 10:41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Act 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

These who were probably Temple priests, representing the High Priest were ignorant of the truth of the Messiah, they would not accept this answer, nor would they have accepted a miracle had Jesus caused one to happen.

The Lord decided they did not deserve any other answer at all!

We are never to enter into discussions about the truth of the Scriptures. What God has said is the truth, period!

We do not have to answer the world because of their unbelief. They make this choice themselves and they had already decided that they could not be proven wrong.

There is very little doubt that Jesus was pointing to His own body when He said these things because the disciples clearly understood what He was speaking of.

*****Joh 2:20 Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

We know that the Temple of Solomon had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. We also know that those Jews who had returned from Babylon had rebuilt the Temple but not in the same splendor of that of Solomon because they were too poor.

Ezr 3:12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
Ezr 3:13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

King Herod had taken it upon himself to transform that Temple into a grand structure but only succeeded in making the Temple a worldly structure that God would later cause to be destroyed.

The work on the Temple had been going on for 46 years and this work would continue for 36 more years until it was within 6 or 7 years of the time when Titus completely destroyed the Temple again in 70AD.

Why did Jesus weep when returning to Jerusalem for the last time before He went to the Cross?

Luk 19:41 And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it,
Luk 19:42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.
Luk 19:43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side,
Luk 19:44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.

We can trust the Lord to know the future of all things!

*****Joh 2:21 But he spake of the temple of his body.
Joh 2:22 When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

The goal of our Father in Heaven was to provide an even newer Temple, a Temple that would last forever, a Temple built without the hands of man. This would be a new meeting place for God to meet with us, up close and personal.

For all those who would believe, the Holy Spirit would be the first to move in and we all would become the greatest Temple ever built.

Act 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

We should also understand that it was this same statement that was twisted into a lie and used against Him, when Jesus was tried for insurrection.

Mat 26:61 And said, This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.

This was also the same statement that was used to taunt Jesus when He was on the cross.

Mat 27:40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

The Jews never considered that Jesus was offering them eternal salvation and they rejected all His Words!

Rom_4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Rom_5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.

There were many who were at the Temple that knew the Lord because of the miracles He had done in the many places He had traveled.

*****Joh 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

Even at the Temple during this Passover there were some who believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah. They had the same belief that we have today.

There were also some at the Temple who had seen the Lord perform the many miracles and they only believed Him for this reason which is not good enough to get into God’s New Heaven.

Heb 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Heb 10:39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

The Lord Jesus Christ was truly full of power, in fact extraordinary power, explosive power and it is this belief that could get them saved.

1Co 1:22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
1Co 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
1Co 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

There were also those who just believed just because they had witnessed all the things that Jesus had done.

Joh 10:37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not.
Joh 10:38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him.

We should also understand that the Lord knows exactly what is in the mind of every human being and our Lord is not a deceiver but always of the truth.

*****Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
Joh 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

To many of that day, their faith just did not go far enough.

What are the 2 commandments of the Lord that have real meaning in all situations?

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment.
Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

These are the guide lines for our faith and these 2 things must be real!

The Holy Spirit will not move into our bodies unless we possess this love.

Even today Jesus Christ knows everything about everybody.

We simply cannot fool God!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

If we will believe that Jesus Christ is exactly who He says He is, then by the “Grace” of God, we can be saved from a sinners Hell and rewarded by being adopted into the family of God!

Amen

Let’s Pray!

We Can Be Certain Of The Power Of Jesus Christ

/ Bobby Mayfield / Leave a comment

The Certainty Of Christ’s Power

Book of Luke 7

What is the truth of the Lord Jesus Christ?

The answer to every question is Jesus Christ!

The answer to every need is also Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ bridges the gaps and the differences between all of mankind!

We have only one thing to do on our part and that is we must have “Faith”!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

In order to see the power of God the one requirement is faith!

Heb 4:2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

Faith begins with hearing and then believing the Word of God!

*****Luk 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

Jesus had just finished teaching about having the right attitude.

The right attitude when attached to faith in the Lord gives God something to work with!

We know that Jesus was called a Nazarene because He was raised in Nazareth.

We know that Jesus had been rejected by His hometown of Nazareth and He had made His headquarters in Capernaum.

It can be understood that Jesus did not have a house in Capernaum but it was a place He could take shelter.

Mat 8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Just as He and the disciples were returning to Capernaum, Jesus was approached by the elders of the city.

*****Luk 7:2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.
Luk 7:3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

The first thing we see is that having great faith and the right attitude leads to those who have great care!

A Roman Centurion would be in command of at least 100 men.

A servant to a Roman Centurion would have certainly have been his slave.

What we see in this Scripture is a Roman Centurion who had a slave that he honored and considered him to be a precious human being.

This was in all probability a Jew!

In the society of that day, a slave was not much more than a tool to be used until it was worthless and they had absolutely no rights as a human beings.

A slave could be mistreated or even killed without repercussions.

This Roman commander had a slave that he cared very much about.

Most owners of slaves would have just gotten rid of that slave and just replaced him with another but this soldier seemed to care for people.

We also see that Jesus was well known by the government officials and the elders of the synagogue.

BUT, This soldier had something that was missing from the Jewish people, it’s called “faith”.

This soldier had heard of the things that Jesus had done and he simply believed!

Jesus the “Miracle Worker”, Jesus the “Great Physician”, Jesus the “Master Teacher” was coming to town.

It does not say that these Jewish elders had any faith at all. They only thought of this Centurion as someone who did not cause harm to the Jewish people.

**A lesson we can see as Christians, is that those of “great faith” will feel unworthy to approach the Lord.

Another lesson we can see is that the government always has it’s eyes on Christians.

But we must also understand that there are even some in the government that can be reached with the “Gospel” and it will change their relationship with the people for the better.

In contrast when a man that has been trained to take lives meets the Savior who is the giver of life, it is the Lord. our Savior, who always wins.

Most soldiers truly develope a brotherhood with those who fight by their side.

AND, The Lord Jesus Christ has a message of love and brotherhood!

This soldier knew he was a terrible sinner.

This soldier knew he was unworthy.

BUT, this soldier was not too proud to ask for help!

This soldier found someone to intercede on his part!

As Christians we simply must not ever allow our unworthiness and the fear of rejection to come between us and the Lord!

The truth is:

Rom 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Our world today is filled with people who do not even want to hear the ‘Gospel” because they know it exposes them of the truth.

AND, The truth is we must humble ourselves before the Lord if we wish the blessings of God!

Isa 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

**Next we will see that great “faith” will seek out God!

*****Luk 7:4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:
Luk 7:5 For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

A Roman soldier would have knowledge of all the pagan gods of Rome and if he sought them, which he probably did, he had found that nothing comes from false religion and hope is not a word that is used by false religion.

No doubt he had heard many times of the God of Israel and had heard of the great things He had already done and he had since heard many of the Jews speak of the Messiah who had authority over all God’s creation.

Hope will always draw us to our God!

Jer 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

There are several times we see the Centurion soldiers in the New Testament and every time they are seen as favorable.

The one most remembered is Cornelius who reached out to Peter.

A Centurion at the cross who was convinced that Jesus was the true Son of God.

A Centurion to took the Apostle Paul to Rome.

It can be said that the God of Israel had made a great impression upon them all.

This Centurion had actually built s synagogue for the Jews of Capernaum to worship God and may have even worshiped with them there.

We see in this man a “man of faith” who “loved God”.

What is the truth of God?

1Co 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

Those that see “typology” in the Scriptures can see this man who loved the Jewish people even though he is hated and despised by most all of them.

We see a “Gentile” who did what he could to aid in the worship of Jehovah God!

Even his Jewish enemies felt the need to intercede for him with the Lord Jesus Christ.

This Gentile, Roman Commander exhibited more faith in Christ Jesus than all those in Capernaum!

*****Luk 7:6 Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:
Luk 7:7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.
Luk 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

We must understand that “faith” is the key that unlocks all the doors of Christianity and everlasting life!

Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Faith comes from a belief in the truth and confidence in the Word of God and it’s truths.

If we cannot believe that there is a God, we have nothing to base our “faith” upon!

If we cannot believe in a Supreme Being, then we have to admit that everything we see happened by accident, which in itself is impossible!

Jesus Christ is the sovereign Lord of all creation and “ALL” power is subject to Him!

Jesus Christ is the “Rewarder” to “all” those seek Him and He will use His power in behalf of those that seek Him!

This Centurion had diligently sought our Lord.

This Centurion had believed in the power and the authority of our Lord.

This Centurion had “great faith” because he believed that Christ Jesus could just speak and things would happen!

This Centurion understood the Genesis record of creation!

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Col 1:15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
Col 1:16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.

This Centurion understood the truth because he believed that the Word of Christ was all that was needed!

The Lord Jesus Christ does not have to be present for our needs to be met!

This is why our prayers are so important!

This is the reason we should ask in the name of Jesus!

Joh 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Joh 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

This Centurion understood what the word authority really meant!

Authority is the right to command!

This Centurion could issue an order and it would be carried out, whether he was there or not was not important.

He understood that Jesus need only to speak and whatever He said would be done.

This is the “faith” that is lacking in our prayer life today!

This is the “faith” that is lacking in our churches today!

Psa 37:5 Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.

What could Jesus do but only do as He said He would do, by the Word of God.

*****Luk 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.
Luk 7:10 And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

This Gentile Roman Centurion had exhibited greater “faith”in the Word of Jesus Christ, than most all the Israelites to whom He had first come.

This Gentile Roman Centurion had caused the hand of God to be moved, a great example for us all!

Notice Jesus did not embrace this man for who hew was or what he had done in his past. Jesus embraced him for His “faith”!

Even today it is hard to find the same “faith” this soldier exhibited, even in the Church.

The Lord Jesus healed this servant because He could!

The Lord Jesus is truly the Messiah!

The power of the Lord Jesus Christ has not diminished in all these years. It is our lack of “faith” that has made the church weak in this day and time!

For Jesus to meet our needs, we must believe that He can meet our needs, after all why pray if we do not believe that God is who He says He is!

AND, The power of God is in His Son Jesus!

Mar 9:23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

There are still many doubters in the world so Jesus decided to help a mother.

*****Luk 7:11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Nain is 6 miles from Nazareth and a day’s journey from Capernaum.

Nain is also the same area where Elisha had raised the son of a Shunammite woman.

2Ki 4:34 And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm.
2Ki 4:35 Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.

We know that the most phenomenal event in history is the resurrection of the dead.

Every believer shares this promise of God!

1Th 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1Th 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1Th 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
1Th 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
1Th 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Many people just have a hard time believing this thing so God, by the Holy Ghost, included this resurrection in the Word of God.

In this incident in Nain there were many eyewitnesses this day and this miracle could not be denied!

We must first understand that a widow left entirely on her own had very little chance of survival at that day and time.

The loss of this son would probably be a loss this widow would never overcome!

In the middle east today, it is only Israel that gives women the freedoms they deserve so they can in fact survive in this world.

As Jesus entered into Nain, He came upon a funeral procession.

*****Luk 7:12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
Luk 7:13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

Aren’t you glad we serve a God with compassion?

Compassion is the suffering of one for another and a sensation of sorrow for some one else’s sorrows.

Aren’t you glad we serve a God who can be touched with our own sorrows?

Jehovah God will get close and personal with those He loves!

The Lord Jesus Christ was touched by the broken heart of this mother.

She was already a widow with only one son and she had outlived her son which we all expect not to happen.

None of us want to bury our own children!

She was a woman alone in a world that was already harsh and rough on women!

The family name would die out with the death of her son but the Lord Jesus had compassion of her.

The size of the crowd told Jesus how much this mother had been loved in the community.

We can see that she had loved and cared for many of them throughout her years.

Throughout the Word of God we see our Lord who is always touched and moved to help all those who have helped others!

Psa 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Psa 103:14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.

We also notice that in this case no one asked Jesus for His help.

We have a God who will at all times act on His own compassion!

After all God sent His Son to save us while we were all yet sinners!

Normally Luke used the name Jesus but on this occasion, by the Holy Ghost, Luke writes that it was the Lord who saw this woman who was so loved by this community.

It is the Lord who holds the sovereign power of the universe!

It was the Lord of compassion who had seen this woman!

It was the Lord of all power who could do something about it!

We have a God who can have compassion on a single individual, located in an unknown place, totally out of touch to the rest of the world!

Rom 8:35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

Rom 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Rom 8:39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It was the Lord who spoke to this woman and gave her assurance.

Thank goodness we have a God who is not way off but a God that is near enough to see the troubles we have!

Jer 23:23 Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?
Jer 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

Thank goodness we serve a God of mercy!

Lam 3:21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
Lam 3:22 It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
Lam 3:23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lam 3:24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Our Lord is also our example of the compassion we are to have for one another!

It is only this same compassionate, loving God, who holds the power of resurrection!

*****Luk 7:14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
Luk 7:15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

**We must clearly understand that the Lord Jesus Christ has the power to by-pass all religious beliefs without compromising on the Word of God!

Jesus has the sole power over life and death!

**We must clearly understand that Jesus has the power to stop a death processional without speaking a Word.

Jesus simply walked over and touched the bier.

Our lesson is that we to must be obedient if we wished to be raised from the dead!

Php 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Php 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
Php 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

**We must clearly understand that Jesus has the power to raise the dead just by saying “Arise”.

Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Joh 11:27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

This mother, who could already see death in her own future because of cruel world now saw life because of Christ Jesus.

*****Luk 7:16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
Luk 7:17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

What is it to fear God? The truth is we should have absolute fear of the power of God but to those that know Him, our fear is coupled with love and hope.

We truly serve an awesome God!

If we have a reverent fear of the Lord it will keep us from being so careless with the Word of God but also be an incentive to live as Jesus and as an example to all others in the righteousness of Jesus.

Php 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Php 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

When this young man sat up, who was dead, the city of Nain saw something they had never witnessed but had only been talked about since the days of Elisha.

What is the truth? God is the giver of all life and it is only God who can restore life!

Our lesson should also be that we serve a God who is always ready to show His compassion.

Jesus was only glorified as a great prophet because Elisha had done a similar thing many years before Jesus.

BUT, more important these people realized that after more than 400 years God had again visited His people!

This is the thing that was broadcast throughout the region!

Israel might not know who Jesus is but they certainly know they have a compassionate God!

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Heb 13:16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased

What these people missed was the “Grace” of God.

What the world of today misses is the power in the Word of God!

AND, more important when will people realize that the Lord Jesus Christ will return just as He promised!

Joh 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Joh 14:2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
Joh 14:4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

We can be certain of the power of Christ Jesus!

Most of our world today question the Messiahship of Jesus Christ.

John the Baptist was locked up in prison by this time and He did not so much doubt the Lord Jesus as He wanted proof that he had not wasted his time as a preacher of the Word of God.

We will all suffer doubts from time to time.

*****Luk 7:18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.
Luk 7:19 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?
Luk 7:20 When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

None of us will ever go through this life, even after salvation, without an occasional period of doubt.

John the Baptist was experiencing such a time.

The one thing we should always remember, when it comes to the Word of God, honest questions never disappoint God.

God only judges rebellion against His Word!

God will meet and answer every honest question from those who trust Him in “faith”!

It seems that while John was in prison some of his followers began to follow Jesus and they had returned to tell John what they had seen.

John was truly enthused about what he had heard but we must remember John was still expecting the King of Kings to restore Israel to her glory as the prophets had said.

What John heard was that when people tried to encourage Jesus to be king that He would withdraw and discourage their actions.

Luk 5:15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.
Luk 5:16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

John needed assurance that Jesus was much more than some prophet or some healer but truly the Messiah.

John sent two of his disciples just to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah.

Just as in the temptations of Satan, Jesus answered them with the Word of God.

*****Luk 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luk 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Luk 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

When we look back on the “Gospels” of the Lord Jesus Christ in faith we can see that the ministry and the message of Jesus Christ proved that He was the Messiah!

One thing should be very clear to us in the end, it is sin to question the methods God uses to accomplish His will on this earth or in this universe.

**Jesus first demonstrated His powers. Jesus cured many and restored sight to man who were blind.

Jesus was saying, “if you want to judge Me, judge Me on what I do”.

Jesus confessed to be the Messiah.

Jesus proved He was the Messiah with His actions.

Jesus demonstrated to the world that “there is a God”.

A God that is above all the natural world.

A God that could heal any and all disease.

A God that truly loves His creation and had compassion for sinful man.

A God who had the perfect plan of salvation for all those that would believe.

**Only Jesus and not some prophet could fulfill the prophesies of the Old Testament.

Jesus was saying to the disciples of John, that God’s idea of the Messiah is far different from what man had made it out to be!

Jesus said to the disciples of John, there are far greater things than the things of this earth.

Act 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

**Jesus said to John’s disciples, there far more people than just the people of Israel.

**Jesus said, before the wrath of God comes, must come the blessings of God.

Isa 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
Isa 61:2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
Isa 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

**Jesus told the disciples of John to tell him to be patient!

The personal ministry of Jesus the Savior must be complete before the political ministry of King Jesus can begin!

And Jesus ends by saying blessings comes to those that are patient waiting on the Lord to complete His ministry of salvation.

Before the Kingdom Jesus can be established, those who will live there must be established!

1Pe 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
1Pe 2:8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.
1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
1Pe 2:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

The power of God is certain through the testimony of Jesus Christ!

Questions?

Let’s Pray!