The Widow of Nain

Luke 7:11–16 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

A crowd accompanied Jesus and His disciples as He entered Nain. He met a funeral possession. Seeing the desperate situation of the widow Jesus intervened. He touched the casket and spoke, telling the young man to arise and live again. The boy began to talk, to walk, and was taken to his mother. Great fear and respect resulted. Many believed Him to be the messiah.

THE CROWD. “His disciples and much people “ V. 11
Jesus lived through three stages. The obscure, the popular, and the rejection period. Crowds followed Him everywhere during the popular period of miracles. Some followed out of curiosity but many out of need for help and healing.

THE CRISIS. “dead man carried out” v 12
We are all dead in trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1) until we are raised and given the gift of eternal life. (Rom 6:23)

THE CONCERN. “ weep not “ V 13
The weeping mother attracted Jesus to the need. Concern for lost sinners will bring the help of the Lord to get our loved ones and friends saved.

THE COMPASSION. “ He had compassion “ V 13
Ten times in the gospels the compassion of Christ is mentioned. He cares about all who are lost and victims of sin.

THE COMMAND. “ I say unto thee Arise “ V 14
To the impotent man He said “ Rise, take up thy bed and walk; To the man with a withered hand, “stretch forth thy hand”, and to all, “come follow me"

THE CARE. “ deliver to his mother”
What a beautiful picture of a new convert being placed in the care of a good church family. Converts need a motherly care.

THE CONFESSION. “ a great prophet”
Jesus worked miracles so that people would believe ( Jn. 2:11; Jn. 20:30,31) Deut. 18:15 promised that a prophet (the Messiah) would be raised from among them. They believed it to be Him. They were right.