A Widows Son is Raised

Commentary

Soon after the miraculous healing of the Centurion’s servant, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. It is thought that this took place in the mid to late part of the first year of Jesus’ public ministry. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out. He was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the town was with her. Although all funerals produce a certain amount of sadness, some seem more tragic than others. When an elderly person dies we are thankful for the long life they were given and for the fact that their struggle with old age has ended. But when someone in the prime of his or her life dies, or when a young person dies, we are not nearly as understanding.

This story illustrates one of only three recorded times that Jesus raised someone from the dead (vv. 11-17). This dead man was the only son of his widowed mother. The funeral was over and the procession was on its way to the cemetery. Jesus spoke the word and the boy was raised to life and health (vv. 11-16). This miracle, recorded only in Luke, reveals Jesus’ compassion for people’s needs. It was not precipitated by any type of request or plea but rather comes from Jesus’ personal compassion for the widow. There was a great and festive celebration after this event. Jesus took a reason for sorrow and turned it into a celebration of joy. It is interesting that the news of this miracle spread throughout Judea and the surrounding area. Judea is in the southern part of Israel and was the region of Jerusalem which is a two day journey from Nain. Jesus’ reputation and ministry were becoming more and more widely known through the entire country (v. 17).

Application

Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Since life is brief, at the longest, I want to do all I can to make it count for the Lord while I am here.