Luke 7-10: Power, Authority, & Love

January 8, 2025

The Gospels repeatedly showcase Jesus’ divine power and authority through miraculous acts, from healing the sick to commanding storms. In Luke 7-10, we see a compilation of events that affirm His sovereignty. But these stories go beyond demonstrating supernatural ability—they reveal how Jesus' power transforms our lives, challenges our hearts, and calls us to awe and worship.

Compilation of Jesus' Demonstration of Power and Authority

1. Chapter 7

   1. Healing of the Centurion's Servant (v1-17)

   2. Curing of Various Diseases, Afflictions, Evil Spirits, and Blindness (v21-22)

   3. Forgives Sins (v47-49)

2. Chapter 8

   1. Controls the Weather (v22-25)

   2. Commands Demons (v26-39)

   3. Heals the Bleeding Woman (v43-48)

   4. Raised the Dead (v49-56)

3. Chapter 9

   1. Authorizes His Disciples Over Demons and Diseases (v1-6)

   2. Multiplied Food (v12-17)

   3. Change in Appearance (v28-29)

   4. Acknowledged by the Voice of God (v35)

   5. Casts Out a Demon the Disciples Could Not (v37-43)

Reflections and Applications

Reading about power and authority presents a response of fear. On the other hand, intertwined with the theme of power and authority are themes of love and humility. Accordingly, our response to God's power and authority should be fear and love. Our awe of God should be intense enough to classify as fear. Biblical fear also qualifies as immense reverence toward an Almighty Lord who is to be feared. This fear should manifest itself as a humble posture and submission before God.

Nevertheless, our God is love (1 John 4:7-21). We do not have to fear God's impending judgment because we have the love of God, which casts out fear. Our awestruck and reverent fear should result in love (in obedience, as a response to God, and due to the Holy Spirit within us).

From the Bleeding Woman

Luke 8:43-48 NASB

43 And a woman who had suffered a chronic flow of blood for twelve years, and could not be healed by anyone, 44 came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who is the one who touched Me?” And while they were all denying it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing in on You.” 46 But Jesus said, “Someone did touch Me, for I was aware that power had left Me.” 47 Now when the woman saw that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling and fell down before Him, and admitted in the presence of all the people the reason why she had touched Him, and how she had been immediately healed. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”

A simple touch of the fringe of Jesus' coat heals a disease of twelve years. After the passing of power, Luke 8:47 records that the bleeding woman "had not escaped notice" from the Lord even though she is among many people, and the Lord has many crowding Him. Just like the woman cannot escape notice from Jesus, we cannot from God. We must remember God sees us. He sees all.

Reflecting, I acknowledge that God's power should be both my fear and comfort. The Lord is to be feared. How could one not be shaken by His great omnipotence, omniscience, and judgment? On the other hand, if you are saved by grace, how could you not be relieved by this fact as well? I can rest knowing that the Lord knows me (Psalm 139), sees me, and cares for me (Matthew 5:25-34).

From the Disciples

Luke 9:37-56 NASB

37 On the next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. 38 And a man from the crowd shouted, saying, “Teacher, I beg You to look at my son, because he is my only son, 39 and a spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams, and it throws him into a convulsion with foaming at the mouth; and only with difficulty does it leave him, mauling him as it leaves. 40 And I begged Your disciples to cast it out, and they could not.” 41 And Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 Now while he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. 43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.

But while everyone was astonished at all that He was doing, He said to His disciples, 44 “As for you, let these words sink into your ears: for the Son of Man is going to be handed over to men.” 45 But they [u]did not understand this statement, and it was concealed from them so that they would not comprehend it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this statement.

The Test of Greatness

46 Now an argument started among them as to which of them might be the greatest. 47 But Jesus, knowing what they were thinking in their hearts, took a child and had him stand by His side, 48 and He said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me; for the one who is least among all of you, this is the one who is great.”

49 John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him, because he does not follow along with us.” 50 But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for the one who is not against you is for you.”

51 When the days were approaching for His ascension, He was determined to go to Jerusalem; 52 and He sent messengers on ahead of Him, and they went and entered a village of the Samaritans to make arrangements for Him. 53 And they did not receive Him, because He was traveling toward Jerusalem. 54 When His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them. 56 And they went on to another village.

Takeaways from the disciples' lack of power:

The disciples' first instinct is to be concerned for themselves - their security, authority, and pride. Perhaps this is why they cannot cast out the demon in verses 40-41. They are unbelieving, and their motives are perverted. James and John want to burn those who do not receive Jesus and His disciples (v54), but that is not what they are there for. Jesus came to heal and save. He did not come to gain anything of worldly value, especially any power less than what He already held. This thought is averse to the long-instated beliefs of the Jews that their Messianic King would rule the earth.

When reflecting on the disciples' actions, I take note to repent and avoid the perversion of motives. The good that you do must be with a good heart. We must rely on focusing on Jesus to avoid ill intentions, such as a desire for power, image, and security (also supported by Matthew 6). Our goal shall be to glorify God alone.

My challenge as a response is to take chances on both humiliation and dignification. I struggle with both, although I should fear neither. If I am never to be heard of, it shall be for God's glory. If I have the attention of others, it shall be for God's glory. My goal is not to fear being overlooked or at the center of attention. My only fear shall be the Lord.

Our Response to His Power and Authority

... love, obedience, fear, comfort, repent, dodge evil, focus on Jesus, humility, surrender...

From Chapter 10

The seventy laborers are successful in their missions. When they return to Jesus to share their experiences, He reminds them that their joy should not stem from their ability to perform miracles but from the great treasure of salvation that awaits them. This is where our focus should lie, too.

The chapter concludes with examples of love and humility, where I will also wrap up this blog post.

Love

Jesus always has the best answers. In verse 25, a lawyer questioned Him about eternal life. He responded with the commandments of loving God and loving others and proceeded with the parable of the Good Samaritan.

The First and Second Greatest Commandments

25 And behold, a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wanting to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

The Good Samaritan

Humility

Martha worked as a servant, and Mary sat at Jesus' feet. In opposition to self-preservation or worldly gain, these two women respond with hospitality, servitude, and a child-like posture.

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who was also seated at the Lord’s feet, and was listening to His word.

Furthermore, Luke 7-10 is a powerful reminder that Jesus' authority is unmatched, and this commands a response from us: fear, obedience, and worship. As we reflect on His sovereignty, may we surrender our lives to the One who holds all things in His hands and cares deeply for each of us.