Gospel
Luke 7:11-17
11 Jesus journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him. 12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15 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, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.” 17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Historical Background
The miracle occurs in the village of Nain, a small town in Galilee near Nazareth. Jesus is accompanied by a large crowd, and they encounter a funeral procession at the city gate.
In Jewish society, widows were among the most vulnerable. The death of her only son meant the woman faced not just emotional devastation but economic ruin and social marginalization.
This event echoes miracles by Elijah (1 Kings 17:10–24) and Elisha (2 Kings 4:18–37), both of whom raised sons of widows. The crowd’s reaction—“A great prophet has arisen among us”—connects Jesus to this prophetic tradition.
Theological Context
Divine power is inseparable from divine love. His compassion is not passive—it leads to action.
Luke emphasizes Jesus’ prophetic identity, aligning Him with Elijah and Elisha. Yet unlike them, Jesus raises the dead with a simple command—demonstrating divine authority. This miracle prefigures Jesus’ own resurrection and the promise of eternal life. It’s a sign that death does not have the final word.
Learning Lessons
Jesus notices the grieving widow—someone society might overlook. No one is invisible to God, He Sees the Marginalized.
Jesus doesn’t just feel pity; He intervenes. Even in the darkest moment, Jesus brings life. This is a message of hope for anyone facing loss or grief.
The crowd glorifies God, not Jesus personally. True ministry deflects praise upward.
“At the Gate of Nain”
At the gate where sorrow stood,
A mother wept in widowhood.
Her only son, her final thread,
Now silent in the arms of death.
But through the dust, a voice drew near,
Not with pomp, but love sincere.
“Do not weep,” the Savior said,
And touched the bier that bore the dead.
“Rise,” He spoke, and breath returned,
The crowd in awe, their hearts discerned:
A prophet walks among the land,
With mercy flowing from His hand.
So when your hope begins to wane,
Remember Christ at Nain’s gate came.
He sees your tears, He knows your pain—
And speaks new life into your name.
Lord Jesus,
Compassionate Savior, You saw the widow at Nain and did not pass her by. You felt her sorrow and turned mourning into joy. You are the God who sees, who speaks, who restores.
Today, I bring before You my griefs—spoken and silent. Touch the places in me that feel lifeless. Speak Your word of life where I have lost hope. Help me to see others as You do— To act with compassion, not just feel it. To glorify You in every miracle, every mercy. Raise in me a heart that trusts You, even when the road is steep and the gate is near.
Amen.
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