With Whom Does Jesus Stand , With Whom Do We Stand ?
to the widow of Nain whose only son had died ( 7:11-17 ). In summary fashion , Luke comments : “ In that hour , he cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits , and on many that were blind he bestowed sight ” ( 7:21-22 ). Later , Jesus is contrasted with John the Baptist and accused of associating with and being friends of tax collectors and sinners , an accusation he does not deny ( 7:34 ). The chapter concludes with another story of Jesus associating with a woman who was a sinner ( 7:37 ). He acknowledges this , lets her anoint his head and feet , and then forgives her sins , sending her forth in peace ( 7:44-50 ).
What emerges from the Gospels is a truly remarkable life and death , providing us with unforgettable images and vignettes of the people that Jesus spent time with and to whom he ministered .
In chapter eight , Luke portrays Jesus moving about both in the company of the twelve apostles and a group of women : “. . . also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities : Mary , called Magdalene , from whom seven demons had gone out , and Joanna , the wife of Chuza , Herod ’ s steward , and Susanna , and many others , who provided for them out of their means ” ( 8:2-3 ). Not only were they women — often maltreated and discriminated against in Jewish society — but some had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities .
One of the more graphic scenes in Luke ’ s Gospel is Jesus ’ encounter with the Gerasene demoniac . The man is deeply troubled ; he is naked and dwelt among the tombs . Both are symbolic of his desperate state . Jesus does not shy away from contact with him ; instead , he speaks to the man and then drives out the possessing demons (“ Legion ”) into a nearby herd of swine ( 8:26-39 ). Jesus sends the man away healed and lucid , telling him to “ declare how much God has done for you .”
Two more incidents in the chapter show the concern of Jesus for those in difficulty . First is the woman with a flow of blood who takes the initiative and touches Jesus . Not only does he allow her to touch him , but her risk-taking results in a cure ( 8:43-44 ). Then Jesus shows compassion for Jairus , whose young daughter has died . In spite of the laughter and disbelief of the crowd , Jesus reaches out , and “ taking her by the hand he called , saying , “‘ Child , arise .’ Her spirit returned , and she got up at once ; and he directed that something should be given her to eat ” ( 8:54-55 ).
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