Daily Bread 2011 - Luke 7
Daily Bread 2011 – Monday, March 14th, 2011 Luke 7
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
What Does This Mean?
The ultimate sign of God’s kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven is the end of death. Jesus, who came to usher in God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, raised three people from the dead, including the story above where the widow of Nain’s son is raised. The other two accounts are Jairus (the ruler’s) daughter, and Lazarus, Jesus’ friend.
Jesus ministry at this point is going more public, where he is both teaching the crowds and also doing these miracles which authenticate his message. And as the word gets out the buzz starts getting out to Judea and beyond that a great prophet has come in their midst. We also see Jesus’ compassion, as this woman not only had lost her husband, but was now losing her son. In this patriarchal society this would have been a “double whammy” as the family name and security for the woman was in jeopardy.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Would we trust God enough to pray and raise someone from the dead? I am not suggesting that you stop a funeral procession, but there are lots of ways that people die in our society. Some die an emotional death, as they give up on dreams and trust that God will provide for them. Some are wracked with physical illnesses become desperate and feel like God has deserted them. Others are going through a time in their spiritual journey where they feel alone, abandoned and empty.
These are all instances where we might in the name of Jesus says, “I say to you get up!” In fact, we can pray this prayer for ourselves if we need to. The power of the Christian community lies in how we care for each other. As we support, encourage and pray over each other in Jesus’ name we can live a life full of God’s joy, love, peace and hope! Do you know someone who needs encouragement today? Why don’t you call them and pray for them!
Jesus you not only preached the message but you lived it in word and deed. Help us to be your ambassadors of life in a world that needs your saving touch. Amen.
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
11 Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. 12 As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. 13 When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” 14 Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” 17 This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
What Does This Mean?
The ultimate sign of God’s kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven is the end of death. Jesus, who came to usher in God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven, raised three people from the dead, including the story above where the widow of Nain’s son is raised. The other two accounts are Jairus (the ruler’s) daughter, and Lazarus, Jesus’ friend.
Jesus ministry at this point is going more public, where he is both teaching the crowds and also doing these miracles which authenticate his message. And as the word gets out the buzz starts getting out to Judea and beyond that a great prophet has come in their midst. We also see Jesus’ compassion, as this woman not only had lost her husband, but was now losing her son. In this patriarchal society this would have been a “double whammy” as the family name and security for the woman was in jeopardy.
What Does This Mean For Us?
Would we trust God enough to pray and raise someone from the dead? I am not suggesting that you stop a funeral procession, but there are lots of ways that people die in our society. Some die an emotional death, as they give up on dreams and trust that God will provide for them. Some are wracked with physical illnesses become desperate and feel like God has deserted them. Others are going through a time in their spiritual journey where they feel alone, abandoned and empty.
These are all instances where we might in the name of Jesus says, “I say to you get up!” In fact, we can pray this prayer for ourselves if we need to. The power of the Christian community lies in how we care for each other. As we support, encourage and pray over each other in Jesus’ name we can live a life full of God’s joy, love, peace and hope! Do you know someone who needs encouragement today? Why don’t you call them and pray for them!
Jesus you not only preached the message but you lived it in word and deed. Help us to be your ambassadors of life in a world that needs your saving touch. Amen.
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