We would note throughout Jesus' ministry the many miracles he performed. Aside from healing people afflicted with blindness or leprosy, we also find him bringing people back from the dead. It happened with Jairus' daughter, with Lazarus, and now in this Sunday's Gospel it is with the son of the widow of Nain.
Jesus apparently was showing that he has come to show victory over death. It is the same victory that will come to you and me because of our faith in Jesus.
However, I would have you note the dynamics that are contained in this story of the widow's son. We have these words:
"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." Luke 7:12-13
We realize that he not only saw the plight of this widow (and son), but he also had a deep feeling - compassion. I wonder how many of us, if we do notice those who are hurting throughout our world have feelings toward them. This might be a barometer as to whether or not we are in touch with those who are living on the edge of our society. The word "compassion" means to "suffer with." By having compassion are entering into the life of another person who is hurting.
Jesus went a step further. He actually did something. This I believe would invite us to have sensitivity toward those around us. We might not be able to bring someone back from the dead; yet, we can find a way to be of help to someone who is hurting. This is all about being a follower of Jesus in our world today.
I invite you to read the story in its entirety which is contained in Luke 7:11-17 in preparation for your worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
Jesus apparently was showing that he has come to show victory over death. It is the same victory that will come to you and me because of our faith in Jesus.
However, I would have you note the dynamics that are contained in this story of the widow's son. We have these words:
"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." Luke 7:12-13
We realize that he not only saw the plight of this widow (and son), but he also had a deep feeling - compassion. I wonder how many of us, if we do notice those who are hurting throughout our world have feelings toward them. This might be a barometer as to whether or not we are in touch with those who are living on the edge of our society. The word "compassion" means to "suffer with." By having compassion are entering into the life of another person who is hurting.
Jesus went a step further. He actually did something. This I believe would invite us to have sensitivity toward those around us. We might not be able to bring someone back from the dead; yet, we can find a way to be of help to someone who is hurting. This is all about being a follower of Jesus in our world today.
I invite you to read the story in its entirety which is contained in Luke 7:11-17 in preparation for your worship this Sunday.
Pastor Marty
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