The Only Son of a Widow

Luke 7:11 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.
12 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.
13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16 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.
17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
18 And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

God is a compassionate being. The earthly ministry of Christ repeatedly demonstrated this truth. In Luke chapter 7, the Lord entered into a city only to find that a widow (a woman whose husband died) had just lost her only son to death also. It was a very sad time for this dear lady. The loss of her husband had been hard to bear, but her son was a daily reminder of the husband whose love she treasured so greatly. Yet, now the son too was gone. Perhaps the young man worked to help support his mother, but now she was alone without her husband and without their son. Fortunately for this woman, God is rich in mercy (Ephesians 2:4). He intervened on behalf of the woman bringing her son back to life. Her tears of mourning (Luke 7:13) turned into tears of joy.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): God cares for everyone. He is interested in listening to your prayers. He cares for you when you are sick or hurting. You are important to Him.

• (For everyone): How do you think Jesus understood the pain the widow would experience in losing her son? (Think about the separation of God the Father and God the Son.)

• Out of all the things the Lord needed to do, He took time to raise this young man from the dead. Out of all the people who needed the Lord, He took time for a lonely widow. What does that teach us about our great Saviour?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Take the burden of your heart to the Lord and seek His help.

• Ask God to help you understand that He cares for you.

SONG: Does Jesus Care?

Pastor Andrew Ray

Devotions on Compassion