Luke 7:11
Verse
Context
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
10And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd.12As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
Sermons
William MacDonald
Mariano Di Gangi
Gary Wilkerson
Richard E. BieberRichard E. Bieber
Paul BramsenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Nain - A small city of Galilee, in the tribe of Issachar. According to Eusebius, it was two miles from Mount Tabor, southward; and near to Endor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
WIDOW OF NAIN'S SON RAISED TO LIFE. (In Luke only). (Luk 7:11-17) Nain--a small village not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture, and only this once probably visited by our Lord; it lay a little to the south of Mount Tabor, about twelve miles from Capernaum.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass the day after,.... The Vulgate Latin reads "afterward", not expressing any day, as in Luk 8:1, but the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions, read to the same sense as we, the day after, the next day, on the morrow, after he had cured the centurion's servant in Capernaum, where he staid all night: that he went into a city called Naim; which Jerom (p) places near Mount Tabor, and the river Kison. The (q) Jews speak of a Naim in, the tribe of Issachar, so called from its pleasantness, and which seems to be the same place with this. The Persic version reads it, "Nabetis", or "Neapolis", the same With Sychem in Samaria, but without reason: and many of his disciples went with him; not only the twelve, but many others: and much people; from Capernaum, and other parts, that followed him to see his miracles, or for one end or another, though, they did not believe in him; at least these were only hearers, and had, not entered themselves among the disciples, (p) Tom. 1. ad Marcellum, fol. 44. B. & Epitaph. Paulae. fol. 60. A. (q) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 98. fol. 86. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the story of Christ's raising to life a widow's son at Nain, that was dead and in the carrying out to be buried, which Matthew and Mark had made no mention of; only, in the general, Matthew had recorded it, in Christ's answer to the disciples of John, that the dead were raised up, Mat 11:5. Observe, I. Where, and when, this miracle was wrought. It was the next day after he had cured the centurion's servant, Luk 7:11. Christ was doing good every day, and never had cause to complain that he had lost a day. It was done at the gate of a small city, or town, called Nain, not far from Capernaum, probably the same with a city called Nais, which Jerome speaks of. II. Who were the witnesses of it. It is as well attested as can be, for it was done in the sight of two crowds that met in or near the gate of the city. There was a crowd of disciples and other people attending Christ (Luk 7:11), and a crowd of relations and neighbours attending the funeral of the young man, Luk 7:12. Thus there was a sufficient number to attest the truth of this miracle, which furnished greater proof of Christ's divine authority than his healing diseases; for by no power of nature, or any means, can the dead be raised. III. How it was wrought by our Lord Jesus. 1. The person raised to life was a young man, cut off by death in the beginning of his days - a common case; man comes forth like a flower and is cut down. That he was really dead was universally agreed. There could be no collusion in the case; for Christ was entering into the town, and had not seen him till now that he met him upon the bier. He was carried out of the city; for the Jews' burying-places were without their cities, and at some distance from them. This young man was the only son of his mother, and she a widow. She depended upon him to be the staff of her old age, but he proves a broken reed; every man at his best estate is so. How numerous, how various, how very calamitous, are the afflictions of the afflicted in this world! What a vale of tears is it! What a Bochim, a place of weepers! We may well think how deep the sorrow of this poor mother was for her only son (such sorrowing is referred to as expressive of the greatest grief, - Zac 12:10), and it was the deeper in that she was a widow, broken with breach upon breach, and a full end made of her comforts. Much people of the city was with her, condoling with her loss, to comfort her. 2. Christ showed both his pity and his power in raising him to life, that he might give a specimen of both, which shine so brightly in man's redemption. (1.) See how tender his compassions are towards the afflicted (Luk 7:13): When the Lord saw the poor widow following her son to the grave, he had compassion on her. Here was not application made to him for her, not so much as that he would speak some words of comfort to her, but, ex mero motu - purely from the goodness of his nature, he was troubled for her. The case was piteous, and he looked upon it with pity. His eye affected his heart; and he said unto her, Weep not. Note, Christ has a concern for the mourners, for the miserable, and often prevents them with the blessing of his goodness. He undertook the work of our redemption and salvation, in his love and in his pity, Isa 63:9. What a pleasing idea does this give us of the compassions of the Lord Jesus, and the multitude of his tender mercies, which may be very comfortable to us when at any time we are in sorrow! Let poor widows comfort themselves in their sorrows with this, that Christ pities them and knows their souls in adversity; and, if others despise their grief, he does not. Christ said, Weep not; and he could give her a reason for it which no one else could: "Weep not for a dead son, for he shall presently become a living one." This was a reason peculiar to her case; yet there is a reason common to all that sleep in Jesus, which is of equal force against inordinate and excessive grief for their death - that they shall rise again, shall rise in glory; and therefore we must not sorrow as those that have no hope, Th1 4:13. Let Rachel, that weeps for her children, refrain her eyes from tears, for there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border, Jer 31:17. And let our passion at such a time be checked and claimed by the consideration of Christ's compassion. (2.) See how triumphant his commands are over even death itself (Luk 7:14): He came, and touched the bier, or coffin, in or upon which the dead body lay; for to him it would be no pollution. Hereby he intimated to the bearers that they should not proceed; he had something to say to the dead young man. Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom, Job 33:24. Hereupon they that bore him stood still, and probably let down the bier from their shoulders to the ground, and opened the coffin, it if was closed up; and then with solemnity, as one that had authority, and to whom belonged the issues from death, he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. The young man was dead, and could not arise by any power of his own (no more can those that are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins); yet it was no absurdity at all for Christ to bid him arise, when a power went along with that word to put life into him. The gospel call to all people, to young people particularly, is, "Arise, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light and life." Christ's dominion over death was evidenced by the immediate effect of his word (Luk 7:15): He that was dead sat up. Have we grace from Christ? Let us show it. Another evidence of life was that he began to speak; for whenever Christ gives us spiritual life he opens the lips in prayer and praise. And, lastly, he would not oblige this young man, to whom he had given a new life, to go along with him as his disciple, to minister to him (though he owed him even his own self), much less as a trophy or show to get honour by him, but delivered him to his mother, to attend her as became a dutiful son; for Christ's miracles were miracles of mercy, and a great act of mercy this was to this widow; now she was comforted, according to the time in which she had been afflicted and much more, for she could now look upon this son as a particular favourite of Heaven, with more pleasure than if he had not died. IV. What influence it had upon the people (Luk 7:16): There came a fear on all; it frightened them all, to see a dead man start up alive out of his coffin in the open street, at the command of a man; they were all struck with wonder at his miracle, and glorified God. The Lord and his goodness, as well as the Lord and his greatness, are to be feared. The inference they drew from it was, "A great prophet is risen up among us, the great prophet that we have been long looking for; doubtless, he is one divinely inspired who can thus breathe life into the dead, and in him God hath visited his people, to redeem them, as was expected," Luk 1:68. This would be life from the dead indeed to all them that waited for the consolation of Israel. When dead souls are thus raised to spiritual life, by a divine power going along with the gospel, we must glorify God, and look upon it as a gracious visit to his people. The report of this miracle was carried, 1. In general, all the country over (Luk 7:17): This rumour of him, that he was the great prophet, went forth upon the wings of fame through all Judea, which lay a great way off, and throughout all Galilee, which was the region round about. Most had this notice of him, yet few believed in him, and gave up themselves to him. Many have the rumour of Christ's gospel in their ears that have not the savour and relish of it in their souls. 2. In particular, it was carefully brought to John Baptist, who was now in prison (Luk 7:18): His disciples came, and gave him an account of all things, that he might know that though he was bound yet the word of the Lord was not bound; God's work was going on, though he was laid aside.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:11-17 Jesus raised three people from the dead; the others were Jairus’s daughter (8:40-56) and Lazarus (John 11:38-44). Jesus has authority over life and death (cp. 1 Kgs 17:17-24; 2 Kgs 4:18-37). 7:11 The location of the village of Nain is uncertain; it might be the modern town of Nein, six miles southeast of Nazareth.
Luke 7:11
Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son
10And when the messengers returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd.12As He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Psalm 18 the Resurrection
By William MacDonald1.5K34:34ResurrectionPSA 18:49LUK 7:11In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 18 and provides a detailed analysis of its verses. The sermon begins by discussing the death of Jesus and the intense suffering he endured. The speaker then moves on to describe the warfare that breaks out and the resurrection of Jesus. The sermon concludes by exploring the reasons for Jesus' resurrection and the significance of his second coming in power and glory. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the Old Testament in order to gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and the spiritual battles that took place during his crucifixion.
Ii Peter - How Firm Is Your Faith?
By Mariano Di Gangi26316:25FaithLUK 7:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the credibility of the eyewitness accounts of Jesus' ministry. He highlights various events where people witnessed Jesus' miracles and teachings, such as raising a widow's son, the Sermon on the Mount, and the wedding feast in Cana. The speaker also mentions the role of the Holy Spirit in utilizing the individual personalities of the writers of the Bible to convey the message of God. The sermon concludes by affirming the unwavering commitment of the eyewitnesses to share what they have seen and heard.
Resurrection Life
By Gary Wilkerson9737:47Resurrection PowerCompassion in MinistryResurrectionLUK 7:11Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus in his sermon 'Resurrection Life,' illustrating how Jesus confronts death and despair with compassion and authority. He recounts the story of Jesus raising a widow's son in Nain, highlighting the clash between joy and sorrow at the city gate, and urges the congregation to be sensitive to the needs of those suffering around them. Wilkerson calls for a revival of faith and boldness in ministry, encouraging believers to confront the pain and suffering in their communities with the same power that raised Christ from the dead. He stresses the importance of seeing individuals rather than crowds and the necessity of acting with compassion and authority in the face of life's challenges.
Is There No Balm in Gilead?
By Richard E. Bieber0ISA 53:5JER 8:18MAT 5:4LUK 7:11REV 3:3Richard E. Bieber preaches about the urgent need for the Body of Christ to acknowledge its spiritual sickness and turn to the Physician, Jesus Christ, for healing and restoration. Drawing parallels from the story of Jerusalem's denial of its impending destruction, he emphasizes the importance of repentance and seeking God's forgiveness for individual and corporate sins. Bieber highlights the danger of ignoring symptoms of spiritual decline, such as unbelief, compromise, and lukewarm faith, and calls for a genuine mourning and repentance within the church to experience the transformative power of God's grace and resurrection.
The Raising of the Widow's Son at Nain Luke 7:11-17
By R.A. Torrey0Compassion Of ChristPower over DeathLUK 7:11R.A. Torrey explores the profound encounter between Jesus and the widow of Nain, emphasizing the deep sorrow of the widow who lost her only son and the compassionate response of Christ. He highlights how Jesus, moved by her grief, intervened without being asked, demonstrating His divine authority over death and His ability to transform sorrow into joy. The sermon illustrates that Jesus not only sees our pain but also has the power to bring life and hope, turning the darkest moments into opportunities for divine intervention. Torrey encourages believers to recognize that Jesus meets us in our grief and can change our circumstances, just as He did for the widow. Ultimately, the message conveys that through Christ, even the saddest days can become the gladdest.
Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
By Richard E. Bieber0PSA 126:5JER 8:18JER 50:4MAT 5:4LUK 7:11LUK 19:41Richard E. Bieber preaches on the importance of genuine repentance and the need to move beyond emotional responses to true heart transformation. He emphasizes the significance of weeping in a way that breaks pride, prepares for spiritual renewal, and moves God's heart. Drawing from Psalms 126:5-6, Matthew 5:4, and Luke 7:11-16, he illustrates how weeping can lead to revival, new life, and comfort. The sermon highlights the value of weeping for true repentance, vision, and intercession, showing how such tears can bring about transformation and revival in individuals and communities.
Jesus Raised the Dead
By Paul Bramsen0LUK 7:11LUK 8:40JHN 3:16JHN 11:17Paul Bramsen preaches about the power of resurrection, emphasizing that just as Jesus had the power to raise the physically dead, God has given Him the power to raise the spiritually dead, offering eternal life with God in Heaven to those who believe in Him. The sermon highlights various instances in the Bible where Jesus raised the dead, showcasing His miraculous resurrection power and the hope it brings to believers facing the reality of death.
Luke 7:11-17. the Raising of the Widow's Son.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0LUK 7:11JHN 5:25JHN 11:11CO 15:20EPH 2:1Favell Lee Mortimer preaches on the miraculous raising of the dead son of the widow of Nain by Jesus, highlighting the deep sorrow and compassion involved in this event. Jesus, with great tenderness, comforts the grieving mother and commands the young man to arise, showcasing his power over death. This miracle not only brought joy to the mother and son but also served as a confirmation of Jesus' ability to bestow life and his promise of a future resurrection. The resurrection of the widow's son symbolizes the spiritual resurrection from trespasses and sins that Jesus offers to all who believe in him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Nain - A small city of Galilee, in the tribe of Issachar. According to Eusebius, it was two miles from Mount Tabor, southward; and near to Endor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
WIDOW OF NAIN'S SON RAISED TO LIFE. (In Luke only). (Luk 7:11-17) Nain--a small village not elsewhere mentioned in Scripture, and only this once probably visited by our Lord; it lay a little to the south of Mount Tabor, about twelve miles from Capernaum.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And it came to pass the day after,.... The Vulgate Latin reads "afterward", not expressing any day, as in Luk 8:1, but the Syriac, Arabic, Persic, and Ethiopic versions, read to the same sense as we, the day after, the next day, on the morrow, after he had cured the centurion's servant in Capernaum, where he staid all night: that he went into a city called Naim; which Jerom (p) places near Mount Tabor, and the river Kison. The (q) Jews speak of a Naim in, the tribe of Issachar, so called from its pleasantness, and which seems to be the same place with this. The Persic version reads it, "Nabetis", or "Neapolis", the same With Sychem in Samaria, but without reason: and many of his disciples went with him; not only the twelve, but many others: and much people; from Capernaum, and other parts, that followed him to see his miracles, or for one end or another, though, they did not believe in him; at least these were only hearers, and had, not entered themselves among the disciples, (p) Tom. 1. ad Marcellum, fol. 44. B. & Epitaph. Paulae. fol. 60. A. (q) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 98. fol. 86. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the story of Christ's raising to life a widow's son at Nain, that was dead and in the carrying out to be buried, which Matthew and Mark had made no mention of; only, in the general, Matthew had recorded it, in Christ's answer to the disciples of John, that the dead were raised up, Mat 11:5. Observe, I. Where, and when, this miracle was wrought. It was the next day after he had cured the centurion's servant, Luk 7:11. Christ was doing good every day, and never had cause to complain that he had lost a day. It was done at the gate of a small city, or town, called Nain, not far from Capernaum, probably the same with a city called Nais, which Jerome speaks of. II. Who were the witnesses of it. It is as well attested as can be, for it was done in the sight of two crowds that met in or near the gate of the city. There was a crowd of disciples and other people attending Christ (Luk 7:11), and a crowd of relations and neighbours attending the funeral of the young man, Luk 7:12. Thus there was a sufficient number to attest the truth of this miracle, which furnished greater proof of Christ's divine authority than his healing diseases; for by no power of nature, or any means, can the dead be raised. III. How it was wrought by our Lord Jesus. 1. The person raised to life was a young man, cut off by death in the beginning of his days - a common case; man comes forth like a flower and is cut down. That he was really dead was universally agreed. There could be no collusion in the case; for Christ was entering into the town, and had not seen him till now that he met him upon the bier. He was carried out of the city; for the Jews' burying-places were without their cities, and at some distance from them. This young man was the only son of his mother, and she a widow. She depended upon him to be the staff of her old age, but he proves a broken reed; every man at his best estate is so. How numerous, how various, how very calamitous, are the afflictions of the afflicted in this world! What a vale of tears is it! What a Bochim, a place of weepers! We may well think how deep the sorrow of this poor mother was for her only son (such sorrowing is referred to as expressive of the greatest grief, - Zac 12:10), and it was the deeper in that she was a widow, broken with breach upon breach, and a full end made of her comforts. Much people of the city was with her, condoling with her loss, to comfort her. 2. Christ showed both his pity and his power in raising him to life, that he might give a specimen of both, which shine so brightly in man's redemption. (1.) See how tender his compassions are towards the afflicted (Luk 7:13): When the Lord saw the poor widow following her son to the grave, he had compassion on her. Here was not application made to him for her, not so much as that he would speak some words of comfort to her, but, ex mero motu - purely from the goodness of his nature, he was troubled for her. The case was piteous, and he looked upon it with pity. His eye affected his heart; and he said unto her, Weep not. Note, Christ has a concern for the mourners, for the miserable, and often prevents them with the blessing of his goodness. He undertook the work of our redemption and salvation, in his love and in his pity, Isa 63:9. What a pleasing idea does this give us of the compassions of the Lord Jesus, and the multitude of his tender mercies, which may be very comfortable to us when at any time we are in sorrow! Let poor widows comfort themselves in their sorrows with this, that Christ pities them and knows their souls in adversity; and, if others despise their grief, he does not. Christ said, Weep not; and he could give her a reason for it which no one else could: "Weep not for a dead son, for he shall presently become a living one." This was a reason peculiar to her case; yet there is a reason common to all that sleep in Jesus, which is of equal force against inordinate and excessive grief for their death - that they shall rise again, shall rise in glory; and therefore we must not sorrow as those that have no hope, Th1 4:13. Let Rachel, that weeps for her children, refrain her eyes from tears, for there is hope in thine end, saith the Lord, that thy children shall come again to their own border, Jer 31:17. And let our passion at such a time be checked and claimed by the consideration of Christ's compassion. (2.) See how triumphant his commands are over even death itself (Luk 7:14): He came, and touched the bier, or coffin, in or upon which the dead body lay; for to him it would be no pollution. Hereby he intimated to the bearers that they should not proceed; he had something to say to the dead young man. Deliver him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom, Job 33:24. Hereupon they that bore him stood still, and probably let down the bier from their shoulders to the ground, and opened the coffin, it if was closed up; and then with solemnity, as one that had authority, and to whom belonged the issues from death, he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. The young man was dead, and could not arise by any power of his own (no more can those that are spiritually dead in trespasses and sins); yet it was no absurdity at all for Christ to bid him arise, when a power went along with that word to put life into him. The gospel call to all people, to young people particularly, is, "Arise, arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light and life." Christ's dominion over death was evidenced by the immediate effect of his word (Luk 7:15): He that was dead sat up. Have we grace from Christ? Let us show it. Another evidence of life was that he began to speak; for whenever Christ gives us spiritual life he opens the lips in prayer and praise. And, lastly, he would not oblige this young man, to whom he had given a new life, to go along with him as his disciple, to minister to him (though he owed him even his own self), much less as a trophy or show to get honour by him, but delivered him to his mother, to attend her as became a dutiful son; for Christ's miracles were miracles of mercy, and a great act of mercy this was to this widow; now she was comforted, according to the time in which she had been afflicted and much more, for she could now look upon this son as a particular favourite of Heaven, with more pleasure than if he had not died. IV. What influence it had upon the people (Luk 7:16): There came a fear on all; it frightened them all, to see a dead man start up alive out of his coffin in the open street, at the command of a man; they were all struck with wonder at his miracle, and glorified God. The Lord and his goodness, as well as the Lord and his greatness, are to be feared. The inference they drew from it was, "A great prophet is risen up among us, the great prophet that we have been long looking for; doubtless, he is one divinely inspired who can thus breathe life into the dead, and in him God hath visited his people, to redeem them, as was expected," Luk 1:68. This would be life from the dead indeed to all them that waited for the consolation of Israel. When dead souls are thus raised to spiritual life, by a divine power going along with the gospel, we must glorify God, and look upon it as a gracious visit to his people. The report of this miracle was carried, 1. In general, all the country over (Luk 7:17): This rumour of him, that he was the great prophet, went forth upon the wings of fame through all Judea, which lay a great way off, and throughout all Galilee, which was the region round about. Most had this notice of him, yet few believed in him, and gave up themselves to him. Many have the rumour of Christ's gospel in their ears that have not the savour and relish of it in their souls. 2. In particular, it was carefully brought to John Baptist, who was now in prison (Luk 7:18): His disciples came, and gave him an account of all things, that he might know that though he was bound yet the word of the Lord was not bound; God's work was going on, though he was laid aside.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
7:11-17 Jesus raised three people from the dead; the others were Jairus’s daughter (8:40-56) and Lazarus (John 11:38-44). Jesus has authority over life and death (cp. 1 Kgs 17:17-24; 2 Kgs 4:18-37). 7:11 The location of the village of Nain is uncertain; it might be the modern town of Nein, six miles southeast of Nazareth.