Jesus raises the widow’s son
Day 12 Tuesday, March 19, 2019
Raising a widow’s son
Luke 7:11-17
Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain,
and his disciples and a large crowd went with him.
As he approached the gate of the town,
a man who had died was being carried out.
He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow;
and with her was a large crowd from the town.
When the Lord saw her,
he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
Then he came forward and touched the bier,
and the bearers stood still.
And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!”
The dead man sat up and began to speak,
and Jesus gave him to his mother.
Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying,
“A great prophet has risen among us!” and
“God has looked favorably on his people!”
This word about him spread throughout Judea
and all the surrounding country.
Jesus’ compassion for the mother of the deceased was great indeed!
Obviously Jesus felt sorrow for her grief of loosing her only son,
but he could also see a much greater need for compassion.
Remember the culture of first century Judea;
a woman had less status than a man, almost none at all.
A widow became the responsibility of the eldest son.
(That is why the eldest son received a larger inheritance than other sons.)
This widow lost her only son, and would be homeless,
and her needs (food, shelter, family) would be un-provided.
As only God can, Jesus saw the bigger picture,
and this miracle saved this mother from her grief, as well as her bleak future.
Heavenly Father, when we have a need that we bring to you in prayer,
hear our plea, but always let it be your will for us that we receive.
In Jesus’ name we pray; Amen.