The Miracles of Jesus
Lent – February 27, 2024
Jesus raises a widow’s son from the dead
Luke 7:11-17
Funerals and memorial services are never fun. I’ve been to many of them over my lifetime, and I always find them very depressing. People try to say comforting words to those who have lost a family member or friend. Relatives get up in front of the church and reminisce about what a great person a mother, father, or other family member was. The pastor talks about eternal life and a life well-lived and how this service celebrates the deceased’s life.
Even though I am a Christian and believe in eternal life, I never feel like celebrating.
One thing remains. The person is dead. Neither you nor I will see them again this side of eternity. A mother who has lost her child is devastated and never fully recovers from the loss. She mourns; she remembers her child every day. Her heart is heavy and broken.
*************************The Point**************************
In chapter seven of the Gospel of Luke, Jesus turns a funeral into a celebration:
“Soon afterward, Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow’s only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion.
“Don’t cry!” he said.
Then he walked over to the coffin and touched it, and the bearers stopped.
“Young man,” he said, “I tell you, get up.”
Then the dead boy sat up and began to talk! And Jesus gave him back to his mother.
Great fear swept the crowd, and they praised God, saying, “A mighty prophet has risen among us” and “God has visited his people today.” And the news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.”
Luke 7:11-17
In previous devotions, I have written about the miracles of Jesus; the healed person’s faith was evident. In this story, we don’t see that. This time, we see Jesus’ faith and compassion given to a widow who has lost her young son.
Jesus takes His healing power to a whole new level in this story. He does something no one had ever seen done before. Jesus walks over to the coffin and touches it. Not only was this not allowed, but if you touched the casket or dead body, you were considered unclean.
But Jesus showed the love He has for everyone. Even women (who were held in low esteem at the time), and in Jesus’ previous miracle when He healed a gentile’s (Centurion’s) servant. Jesus is showing He came for everyone, not just Jews.
In your most trying times, when your heart and mind feel desolate because of a loss. Turn to Jesus. Loss is not always found in death. You may lose your job; turn to Jesus. Your marriage may end; turn to Jesus. You may lose your trust in someone who you thought you could. Turn to Jesus.
Ask Christ to help you to fill the emptiness and feelings of loss in your life. Remember, He is with you always.
Dear Jesus. You are amazing. You heal and speak, and people listen. You are always there for us. Help us remember to come to you when we feel empty and need refueling, and in thanks for your many blessings each day. Amen
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