Luke 7:13

New International Version

When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”

For Encouragement

She was going to bury her son, her only child, a widow in a town called Nain, a small town a few miles southeast of Nazareth, Jesus’s hometown (Luke 7:11-17). She was in a hopeless situation, with no one to turn to for help. Life had become bitter for her, like Naomi, except she had not traveled to Moab.

Many of us can relate to times like that when everything seems to collapse around us. It becomes increasingly difficult during distressful times when the tunnel grows darker each day, and there appears to be no way out and no glimmer of light at the end. That is the time for Jesus, the Carpenter from Nazareth, Messiah, King Eternal. He showed up at Nain—and on time.

For the poor widow and grieving mom, there was no time for any interruption. Let the pallbearers take the body to the graveyard and complete the task. She would say her last goodbye and go to a cold, lonely home. So, who is this man who looks at you and tells you not to cry, moves to the coffin, and touches it, halting the march of the pallbearers?

Your day had come, woman! Heaven has recognized you, and the man who came from heaven to give life to the dead—the resurrection and the life—has noticed you. You have touched His heart, and His compassion is flowing to you. You will never forget this day in your life in a few minutes. With absolute authority, Jesus commands the dead man:

“Young man, I say to you, get up!”

The widow runs and embraces her risen son, sitting on the bier. Tears of joy come in a ceaseless flow from her eyes. The scene fills the mourners with awe. They praise the Lord, and go away spreading the news like wildfire (14-17).

The tragedy in your life is not the end of your story. Losing a dear one should not devastate your life. There is hope for you. The light of God from His Son, Jesus Christ, will beam through the dark tunnel that has become your home and left you hopeless.

So, take courage and look into His face, where He sits in majesty—at the right hand of God in glory. He still ministers compassion to the brokenhearted, just like you, and He will wrap you in His warmth. The bottom has dropped out for you, but Jesus comes and will revive your life again.

Pray with Me

Dear Lord, just like You showed compassion to the widow at Nain, minister compassion to my broken heart. Give me hope and the assurance that there is light at the end of this dark path I am walking on now.