Crosspoint Small Group Bible Study Guide *When God Heals and When He Does Not*
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### Bible Reading
Luke 7:1-17 (ESV) *The Healing of the Centurion’s Servant and the Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain*
> 1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.
> 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.
> 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.
> 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him,
> 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.”
> 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.
> 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.
> 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
> 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.”
> 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
> 11 Soon afterward he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a great crowd went with him.
> 12 As he drew near to the gate of the town, behold, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and a considerable crowd from the town was with her.
> 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
> 14 Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.”
> 15 And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
> 16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!”
> 17 And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.
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### Observation Questions
- What was unique about the centurion’s approach to Jesus, and how did he describe his understanding of authority? ([08:53])
- In the story of the widow at Nain, did she or anyone else ask Jesus for help? What moved Jesus to act? ([18:48])
- According to the sermon, did Jesus heal everyone he encountered? What examples were given to support this? ([24:46])
- What did Jesus say about the centurion’s faith, and how did the crowd respond after the widow’s son was raised? ([09:00]; [16:00])
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### Interpretation Questions
- Why do you think Jesus was “amazed” by the centurion’s faith? What does this reveal about the kind of faith that pleases God? ([08:53])
- The widow did not ask for a miracle, yet Jesus intervened. What does this teach about God’s compassion and the reasons He sometimes acts? ([18:48])
- The sermon emphasized that faith is not a formula to get what we want from God. How does this challenge common ideas about faith and healing? ([24:46])
- How does the principle of submitting to God’s authority relate to experiencing God’s power and blessing in our lives? ([08:53]; [43:08])
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### Application Questions
- The centurion recognized and submitted to Jesus’ authority. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to submit to God or the authorities He has placed over you (family, church, government)? What would it look like to take a step of submission this week? ([08:53])
- When you or someone you love is suffering, do you tend to look for reasons or blame (lack of faith, sin, etc.), or do you rest in God’s compassion and sovereignty? How can you shift your mindset to trust God’s heart, even when you don’t understand? ([18:48]; [26:52])
- The sermon shared stories of people like Joni Eareckson Tada and Annie Johnson Flint, who found God’s grace in suffering. Have you or someone you know experienced God’s presence or purpose in a season of pain or illness? How did it change you? ([33:17]; [46:43])
- When facing sickness, the sermon encouraged prayer, seeking medical help, and trusting God’s sovereignty. Which of these steps is hardest for you, and why? ([36:58])
- The message said that God’s greatest concern is our spiritual maturity, not our comfort. In what ways might God be using a current struggle or disappointment in your life to grow your faith? ([43:08])
- How can you come alongside someone in your life who is suffering, not with easy answers, but with compassion and presence, like Jesus did for the widow? ([15:37])
- The hope of eternal healing was highlighted as our ultimate comfort. How does the promise of heaven shape the way you view suffering and loss today? ([44:32])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion: Invite group members to pray for one another—especially for those who are sick or suffering. Ask God for healing, but also for grace, trust, and spiritual growth in every circumstance.
