Luke 7
As we continue our journey through the Gospel of Luke, we find ourselves in a challenging and emotional chapter—Luke 7. Last week, we delved into the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus delivered a message of blessings and woes, challenging His listeners to embrace a life of radical love and humility. This week, we follow Jesus down from the hillside as He enters a town and performs two incredible miracles: healing a Roman Centurion’s servant and raising a widow’s son from the dead.
The story of the widow of Nain is one of compassion and divine intervention, where Jesus, moved by the woman’s plight, restores her son’s life with a simple command. The crowd is amazed, praising God and declaring that “a great prophet has appeared among us” and that “God has come to help his people.” But amid the awe and gratitude, another significant moment unfolds.
A group of men approaches Jesus, sent by none other than John the Baptist, with a pressing question: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” This question, coming from the very man who had baptized Jesus and proclaimed His coming, is startling. It reveals a deep struggle, a moment of doubt and despair from a man who had dedicated his life to preparing the way for the Messiah.
But why would John, of all people, question Jesus’ identity? The answer lies in John’s circumstances. He wasn’t asking this question in person because he was in prison—locked away by Herod Antipas, the ruler who had taken offense at John’s public condemnation of his scandalous marriage. John had been languishing in a dark, cold cell for over a year, isolated from the world and, it seemed, from the hope he once had in Jesus.
John’s situation resonates with many of us. When life is going well, it’s easy to maintain hope and trust in Jesus. But when we’re in the midst of dark times—whether due to illness, financial stress, relationship breakdowns, or other challenges—our faith can waver. We may find ourselves questioning God’s presence, His goodness, and even His promises. Just like John, we might ask, “Are you really there, God? Are you really who you say you are?”
In response to John’s question, Jesus doesn’t offer a simple “yes” or “no.” Instead, He points to the evidence of God’s kingdom breaking into the world: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” Jesus is essentially telling John—and us—to look up and see what God is doing. Even in the darkest times, God is at work.
This message is as relevant today as it was then. When we’re struggling with doubt, when life feels overwhelming, Jesus invites us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and remember the faithfulness of God. He encourages us to recall the times when God has come through for us, both in our lives and in the lives of others.
This is why testimonies are so powerful. They remind us of God’s goodness and provision, even when we’re in the midst of our own struggles. Hearing how others have experienced God’s grace can reignite our hope and strengthen our faith. That’s why, starting next month, we’ll be sharing testimonies from members of our community every third Sunday—stories that testify to God’s presence and power in our lives.
But today, I want to speak directly to those who follow—or want to follow—Jesus, yet find themselves in a desert place. If you’re struggling to maintain your hope in Jesus, if the darkness seems overwhelming, this message is for you.
In these times, remember to look up. Look up and see what God has done. Reflect on the times God has provided, even when things seemed impossible. Remember that God is with you, even in the darkest moments. And trust that the same God who has been faithful in the past will continue to be faithful in the future.
