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He Had Compassion on Her

Luke 7:12-14

Just as He neared the gate of the town, a dead man was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was also with her. When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, “Don’t cry.” Then He came up and touched the open coffin, and the pallbearers stopped. And He said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!”

This story closely resembles the Old Testament account of Elijah’s raising the widow’s son to life again. When the people saw this widow’s son rise from the dead, they immediately knew He was a prophet. They knew His power was from God and they should listen to Him closely.

Jesus had compassion on this widow the moment He saw her. As a widow without a son, she would be forced to beg or depend upon society to take care of her. This, however, would be a secondary concern to the seemingly unbearable pain she must have felt in losing her only son. Jesus saw the incredible pain she carried and instantly intervened on her behalf. He still has compassion for widows today, and He still moves on our behalf when He sees our pain!

I have heard it said that Jesus does not respond to pain; He responds only to faith. According to this story, I disagree with the statement. There is no indication this hurting widow knew who He was when she met Him outside the gate of Nain that day. Jesus saw her pain and immediately had compassion on her. He moved on her behalf without her even asking for a thing or having any kind of faith. When she encountered Jesus, her situation changed. Know for certain that He does have compassion on your pain, and He does care about you!

If you believe nothing else today, believe in the unfailing love Jesus has for you. He knows your dire predicaments, and He knows your pain. What you need to overcome your hurt is an encounter with Him. Look to Him to help you, and surrender everything to Him. This poor widow was a woman surrendered because she had no means to do anything on her own. She was already at rock bottom, so to speak, and the only hope she had was for someone to intervene for her. When you are at your lowest point, He is there to move on your behalf! No one cares for widows the way He does, and He does it like no one else could!

Have a blessed day!

PHOEBE Connections, Inc. is a 501(c)3 dedicated to enhancing the lives of widows by building relationships and helping them find new identity in Jesus Christ through serving others. We promote an atmosphere of fellowship, where the widow can connect with other widows to develop friendships and supportive relationships.