The Bryce Crawford Podcast

Episode: Luke Series Chapter 7 (EP 155)
Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Bryce Crawford

Overview

In this episode, Bryce Crawford leads listeners through Luke Chapter 7, examining the faith of the Roman centurion, Jesus' miracles of compassion, the doubts of John the Baptist, the contrast between judgment and grace, and the forgiveness of a sinful woman. Bryce uses scripture readings, reflection, and personal encouragement to draw out themes of faith, humility, the power and authority of Christ, and God's grace for those who feel unworthy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Faith of the Centurion (02:41-04:49)

• Passage: Luke 7:1-10
  • Jesus enters Capernaum, where a centurion requests healing for his servant.
  • The centurion feels unworthy to host Jesus but believes Jesus' word alone is sufficient for healing.
• Insight:
  • Bryce: "Can we just believe for a split moment that the things in our life that are weighing us down, the troubles, the trials and the tribulations, that if he would just say a word, he would take care of it. Can we believe that for ourselves?" (04:05)
  • Jesus praises the centurion's faith as greater than any He has found in Israel.

Jesus Raises the Widow’s Son at Nain (04:49-06:30)

• Passage: Luke 7:11-17
  • Jesus encounters a funeral procession, sees a grieving widow, and raises her only son back to life.
• Insight:
  • Bryce: "Only God can raise someone from the dead so much. So he raised himself from the dead… Jesus Christ is not bound by sin and death. But is the Lord over sin and death." (05:12)
• Theme: Jesus’ compassion, divine power over death, and foreshadowing of His resurrection.
• The report of this miracle spreads throughout Judea.

John the Baptist’s Doubt and Jesus’ Affirmation (06:30-08:03)

• Passage: Luke 7:18-35
  • John the Baptist, imprisoned, sends messengers to ask Jesus if He is the expected one.
• Insight:
  • Jesus responds by pointing to His miracles: “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up. The poor have good news preached to them.” (06:50)
  • Bryce: “Even in the midst of John the Baptist doubt, he doesn't shame John the Baptist for having a moment of doubt… he’s steady, disciplined, a servant of mine.” (07:08)
  • Jesus calls John more than a prophet: “Among those born of women, none is greater than John. Yet the one who is the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (07:56-08:03)
• Theme: Faith can withstand moments of doubt; true greatness comes from God’s kingdom perspective.

The Rejection by This Generation (08:03-08:49)

• Passage: Luke 7:31-35
  • Jesus compares his listeners to children who complain regardless of God’s approach—criticizing both John for his asceticism and Jesus for His friendship with sinners.
• Insight:
  • Bryce: “We like to make excuses and let things slide, but not for other people.” (08:49)
• Theme: The tendency toward judgment, self-justification, and spiritual blindness.

The Sinful Woman Anoints Jesus (08:49-11:14)

• Passage: Luke 7:36-50
  • A Pharisee named Simon hosts a meal for Jesus; a “sinful woman” anoints Jesus’ feet, washing them with her tears and expensive perfume.
  • Simon judges the woman’s actions, but Jesus turns it into a lesson on forgiveness and love.
• Bryce’s Reflection:
  • Explains ancient customs: foot washing and greeting with a kiss were expected acts of respect.
  • The woman’s act is extravagant: “This alabaster flask of ointment was a year's salary, value of ointment. And in a moment, out of love, she anoints his feet with oil." (10:38)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven. For she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” (10:53)
  • "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace." (11:14)
• Theme: God’s grace is available to all, even to those carrying the heaviest baggage and shame. True love and humility toward Christ come from recognizing the depth of His forgiveness.

Final Encouragement (11:19-12:13)

• Bryce closes:
  • “No matter the junk you carry, no matter the past you come from, you're not too far gone for the grace and love of God… The good things follow. God's grace and love empowers us to serve him and her sins were forgiven.” (11:19)
  • Points listeners to personal Bible reading, not just consumption of podcasts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Faith:

  • "If you just say the word, he'll do it. Can we just believe for a split moment… that if he would just say a word, he would take care of it." —Bryce Crawford (04:05)

• On the Power of Christ:

  • "Only God can raise someone from the dead… Jesus Christ is not bound by sin and death." —Bryce Crawford (05:12)

• On Doubt:

  • "Even in the midst of John the Baptist doubt, he doesn't shame John the Baptist for having a moment of doubt." —Bryce Crawford (07:08)

• On the Kingdom of God:

  • “The one who is the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” —Jesus (08:03)

• On Grace and Forgiveness:

  • “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven. For she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little." —Jesus (10:53)
  • “No matter the junk you carry, no matter the past you come from, you're not too far gone for the grace and love of God.” —Bryce Crawford (11:19)

Timestamps of Major Segments

• [02:41] – Start of Luke 7 reading & centurion’s faith
• [04:49] – Raising the widow’s son at Nain
• [06:30] – John the Baptist’s doubt and Jesus’ affirmation
• [08:03] – Jesus on this generation’s rejection
• [08:49] – The sinful woman anoints Jesus’ feet
• [10:53] – Jesus forgives the woman’s sins
• [11:19] – Final encouragement: God’s grace for all

Overall Tone & Approach

Bryce’s delivery is passionate, conversational, and direct—with a heavy emphasis on encouragement, faith-formation, and relatable application of scripture. He connects the biblical narrative to modern listeners’ struggles with faith, doubt, and self-worth, affirming that no one is beyond the reach of Jesus’ grace.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is an exploration of faith, humility, and grace through the lens of Luke Chapter 7. Bryce guides listeners through powerful New Testament moments and reminds all that, like the centurion, John the Baptist, and the forgiven woman, everyone can approach Christ—regardless of doubt, brokenness, or baggage—and receive mercy. The episode’s core message: God’s love is for those who feel most unworthy, and faith in Jesus brings healing, hope, and peace.