Luke 7:1-28 ▼

1 When he had finished this discourse to the populous audience, he entred into Capernaum,

2 where a certain centurion had a servant whom he greatly valued, lying sick and ready to die.

3 this centurion having heard of Jesus's fame, sent several elders of the Jews to intreat him to come, and recover his servant.

4 accordingly they came to Jesus and earnestly pressed him, saying, he very well deserves you should do him this favour; for he loves our nation,

5 and hath built us a synagogue at his own charge.

6 then Jesus went with him, and when he was advanced near the house, the centurion sent some of his friends to him, saying, "Lord, don't give yourself the trouble of coming, I don't deserve you should honour my house with your presence.

7 nor did I think myself worthy to attend you: speak but the word, and my servant shall be cured.

8 for though I am subject to authority, I have soldiers under me: I bid one go, and he goes: I bid another come, and he comes: I bid my servant do this, and he does it."

9 when Jesus heard this, he admired the man, and turning about, he said to the people, that followed him, I assure you, I have not met with such an instance of faith even among the Jews themselves.

10 and they that were sent, being return'd to the house, they found the servant, who had been sick, in good health.

11 The day following, he went into a city called Nain, accompanied by many of his disciples, and a great crowd of people.

12 as he drew near the gate of the city, there was a dead man just then carrying out to be buried, who was his mother's only son, and she a widow: and many people of the town came with her.

13 when the Lord saw her, he was moved with compassion for her, and said to her, don't weep.

14 then advancing, he touch'd the bier, and the bearers standing still, he said, young man, arise, I command you.

15 and the deceased sat up, and began to speak, and Jesus delivered him to his mother.

16 all that were present were seized with dread, and glorified God, saying, a great prophet is risen up among us, and God has visited his people.

17 and his fame spread over all Judea and the neighbouring countrys.

18 John was soon inform'd of these transactions by his disciples,

19 and sent two of them to Jesus, with this question, are you the Messiah, or must we yet wait for some other?

20 accordingly they came to Jesus, and said, John the Baptist sent us to enquire, if you are he that was to come, or must we look for another?

21 at that very time, he cured several of their diseases and distempers, dispossessing evil spirits, and restoring sight to many that were blind.

22 then he gave them this answer, go, and tell John what you have seen, and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the gospel is proclaim'd to the poor.

23 and blessed is he, who does not make me the occasion of his fall.

24 When the messengers of John were departed, he address'd himself to the people, and said with relation to John, what did you go to see in the desart? a reed shaken with the wind?

25 or did you go to see a man richly apparelled? for magnificent dress and splendid living, you must look into the courts of princes.

26 what then did you go to see? a prophet? yes, I say it, and more than a prophet.

27 he it is, of whom it is written, "behold, I send my messenger before you, who shall prepare the way for you."

28 I declare unto you, among the whole race of mankind, there is not a prophet, who is superiour to John the Baptist: yet he that is most inferiour in the kingdom of the Messiah, is greater than he.