Luke 7:11-17 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.… I. THE BEREAVED MOTHER. Painter, as well as physician, we can believe St. Luke to have been. Desolation was never more graphically and pathetically summed up than in the words, "The only son," &c. Then, too, it is hard for the young and strong to leave the world. Cut off prematurely, sayest thou? What if it be that the corn of wheat must fall into the ground and die, and thus bear much fruit. Bereaved mother, a word to thee! If thy son is dear to thee, think him as much so to thy Saviour. II. OUR LORD'S ATTITUDE ON THIS OCCASION. 1. In the associations of the miracle there is much of deepest interest: (a) Our Lord's power to grapple with sudden emergencies. (b) His sensitive compassion. (c) The paucity of His words. 2. The miracle itself: All its details are commonplace, entirely divested of any clothing of the would-be wonderful. (a) In the mercy there were the elements of fresh trials. Again there were all the anxieties to undergo, all the battle again to fight, the prospect again of severance. (b) Why are miracles of resurrection no longer possible? Because there is no longer the same end to be nerved. (c) Such miracle typical. Death a type of sin. Renewal of human nature a resurrection with Christ. III. THE PEOPLE WHO ACCOMPANIED THE MOURNER. 1. Gratifying as their sympathy would be, the very crowds would cause her to feel more solitary. 2. In the feelings excited by the performance of the miracle, we trace no thought for those of the mother. We find only superstitious fear, which, in its turn, gives place to wild enthusiasm. The words of the people seem to denote that the miracle recalled those of Elijah and Elisha, and the prophet's vision (Ezekiel 37). They indulged in sentimental Messianic dreams; they built themselves up afresh in national pride; they gave themselves over to self-important babbling. We have only here a fresh illustration of that false spirit to which it was our Lord's sad destiny to minister. With all their enthusiasm He knew that there was no real life, no deep apprehension of the character of the truths He had come to teach. (W. J. Gordon.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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