Luke 7 - Gut-wrenching Compassion

In today’s episode, we explore the powerful and emotional stories found in Luke 7. From a Centurion’s surprising faith, to a widow’s miraculous restoration, to John the Baptist’s honest doubts, we see Jesus’ compassion, authority, and love for the broken-hearted. We also reflect on the heartfelt act of a sinful woman whose gratitude for forgiveness paints a vivid picture of true devotion. This episode brings Luke 7 into today’s world, showing how these ancient stories speak directly into our modern lives.
- A Centurion’s Faith:We open with the Centurion, a surprising outsider who demonstrates tremendous faith in Jesus’ authority without even meeting Him face to face. His humility and trust challenge us to rethink what real faith looks like.
- Jesus’ Compassion at Nain:We talk about the incredible moment Jesus raises a widow’s son, highlighting not just His power, but His heart that aches for our suffering.
- John the Baptist’s Doubts:We reflect on how even someone as strong as John wrestled with doubt. Jesus responds not with rebuke but with encouragement — a powerful lesson for when we face uncertainty.
- The Rejection of Jesus:We discuss how the people of Jesus’ time acted like stubborn children, rejecting both John’s fasting and Jesus’ feasting — and how that spirit of resistance is still around today.
- A Sinner’s Grateful Love:Finally, we dive into the story of the woman who washes Jesus’ feet, pouring out her love and gratitude. Her act challenges us to consider how we respond to the forgiveness we’ve received.
Takeaways:This episode is a reminder that faith isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about trusting Jesus even when life feels uncertain. Compassion is at the core of everything He does, and He sees and responds to the vulnerable. Doubt isn’t a disqualifier — it’s part of a growing faith. Most importantly, gratitude should overflow from those who have been forgiven. Jesus invites us all — outsiders, doubters, and broken sinners — to come close and experience new life in Him.
http://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/luke-7-gut-wrenching-compassion/
Download blank templates, schedules here:https://schmern2.notion.site/schmern2/The-Bible-in-Small-Steps-b99ab90118b3433bab73c488ef44d4d1
Logos RAMPS Workflowhttps://flshare.net/p86nc4
Jill’s Linkshttps://abetterlifeinsmallsteps.com/
Download blank templates, schedules, and filled-out chapter notes here:https://thebibleinsmallsteps.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/The-RAMPS-Bible-Study-Method.docx
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsJill
https://affiliate.notion.so/NorthwoodsAI
https://www.youtube.com/@smallstepswithgod
https://www.youtube.com/@startwithsmallsteps
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/smallstepspod
https://twitter.com/schmern
Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com
“Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.”
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
Bible Maps and images used with permission from https://www.bible.ca/maps/ or https://www.freebibleimages.org/illustrations/bj-ot-world/ or https://biblemapper.com/index.html

00:00 Introduction: Jesus and John the Baptist
00:08 The Centurion's Servant: Faith and Healing
02:37 Compassion in Nain: Raising the Widow's Son
04:14 John the Baptist's Doubts and Jesus' Response
05:51 Jesus' Praise for John the Baptist
08:31 The Parable of the Brats: Unrepentant Generation
09:31 The Sinful Woman and Simon the Pharisee
13:43 Personal Reflection and Testimony
15:10 Conclusion and Call to Action