The Widow of Nain (Mother’s Day 2010)
-Introduction
-Isaiah 52:13-53:12
-When we think of this passage, we usually think in terms of the sacrifice of Jesus
upon the cross. And, rightfully so. However, this passage covers more than that
and reminds us that Jesus carried a heavy burden prior to going to the cross.
-Isa. 53:3
-When those whom we are close to hurt, we hurt. (Rom. 12:15)
-Jesus encountered many, many people who were hurting, suffering, inflicted and
in sorrow. - Isaiah 53:4.
-He carried their sorrows – more so than we do. He knew them completely – their
background, their stories, their lives, their circumstances, their struggles, etc.
-The Compassion of Jesus
-Compassion was/is a consistent characteristic seen in Christ.
-Matt. 9:35-38 (Galilean Ministry)
-Galilean ministry – approx. 18 months – great popularity amongst multitudes –
great demands placed upon Jesus
-Mark 3:9
-appointed apostles, Sermon on the Mount, centurion’s servant, Nain, inquiry
of John the Baptizer, woes pronounced, house of the Pharisee, 2nd tour of
Galilee, false accusations
-Mark 3:20-21
-In spite of doubts regarding Him, criticism (from even His family) and false
accusations, Jesus never lost His compassion.
-These were the types of circumstances that Jesus faced. This was the situation that
He continued to deal with. Yet, He always maintained His compassion.
-Mark 6:30-34 (Ministry of Withdrawals)
-Luke 10:33 – (Later Judean Ministry) – Parable of the Good Samaritan
-Luke 15:20 – (Perean Ministry) – Parable of the Prodigal Son
-Luke 19:41 – Sun. of the Crucifixion week; Matt. 23:37 – Tues. of the Crucifixion week
-Isn’t it wonderful to have a Lord, Savior, King, High Priest, Mediator who has
compassion for us!?
-Widow of Nain – Luke 7:11-17
-In my mind, it’s difficult to find a more compassionate scene than this one.
-Consider the scene:
1. Jesus had delivered the Sermon on the Mount to a large multitude. He had healed
the centurion’s servant. He now made His was to Nain and “a great crowd went
with Him” (Luke 7:11).
2. In the town of Nain, tragedy had struck. A widow had lost her son – her only son.
Due to the fact that she was a widow, she had dealt with loss before. Now, she
was going through it again, this time with her son. Beyond the heartache and loss,
she would be left in very difficult circumstances in the male-dominant society and
culture of her day. (Reminds me of Naomi in the OT)
-Luke 7:12 – “a considerable crowd from the town was with her”
-As Jesus, and those following Him, were about to enter the town, the funeral procession
was leaving it.
-Luke 7:13 – Jesus had compassion on the widow/mother.
-Jesus speaks to the woman – “Do not weep.” (Can you imagine how odd that would
have seemed to the people – both groups?) He then stops the funeral procession and
touches the bier (palette) on which the son was being carried. (Can you imagine
what that would have been like?)
-I picture it as being very, very quiet overall. (What is going on? What is
happening? Who is that?) All eyes would have been on Jesus.
-And, then He spoke those wonderful words, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (vs 14)
-Luke 7:15
-What a precious sight! Jesus “gave him to his mother.” What an amazing thought!
What an amazing scene!
-Now, in mind, it is made even more precious because it involved the mother of the son.
There is just something special about a mother, isn’t there?
-Summary and Invitation
-God has given mothers a precious and very important role. And, Godly mothers are
such a blessing to so many!
-Consider the example of Jesus and Mary. We need to keep in mind that the first century,
mid-eastern society was very male dominant. Yet, in the life of Jesus, little is said
regarding His earthly Father. He simply disappears from the scene. Yet, his mother,
Mary, is there from the beginning to end. What an honor is paid to motherhood by the
inspired record!
-And, of course, we see Jesus’ concern for the well being of Mary as He hung on the
cross – John 19:27.
-So, it is with sincerity that I say, “Happy Mother’s Day.”
-Invitation - We have the hope of eternal life thanks to the compassion of Jesus and the
Father in heaven.