THE WIDOW OF NAIN

“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 coffin 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.” (Gospel of Luke 7:11-16, New Living Translation))

I have thought of this story many times. First thoughts are of course of the shock of the widow, her son and then the entire crowd. The Lord’s compassion stopped death and grief. Bringing the boy back to life was a simple touch from the Master. Notice there is no prayer, shouting, or religious performance…simply a statement, “Young man, I tell you, get up.”

Then I thought of how many coffins and dead places I need the Lord to touch in my life. Have compassion on us Lord.

“Don’t cry.” Jesus