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.… The miracle requires a few REMARKS and a few REFLECTIONS. I. The first thing we behold is a FUNERAL PROCESSION. But let us draw near, and contemplate this funeral solemnity. It was the funeral of a young man. We are not informed whether he died by disease or accident, slowly or suddenly; but he was carried off in the prime of life. He was the "only son of his mother." There is an ocean of love in the hearts of parents towards their children. But what closes the melancholy tale of this woman is — that she was a widow! A widow is always an affecting character, and she is liable to injustice and oppression from those fiends who take advantage of weakness and distress; as she is deprived of the companion of her journey, and compelled to travel alone; as her anxieties are doubled: and there is none to share them with her. II. OBSERVE OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. First, He knew all the particulars of the case. Those who were with Him could only see, as they were passing by, a funeral — but He knew the corpse stretched upon the bier; He knew that it was a young man; that it was the only son of his mother; and that she was a widow! Secondly, He did not wait to be implored. "I am found of them that sought Me not." Sometimes, before we call He answers: such a very present help is He in trouble. Thirdly, When He saw her, He had "compassion on her." By nothing was our Saviour more distinguished than by pity and tenderness. Fourthly, He "said unto her, Weep not." How unavailing, not to say impertinent, would this have been from any other lips! Fifthly, Jesus, without any ostentatious ceremony, " went and touched the bier — and they that bare it stood still"; all amazement and expectation! Every eye is fixed upon Him. Finally, observe the application, the delicacy — what shall I call it? — of the miracle; and "He delivered him to his mother!" III. Let us conclude by three GENERAL REFLECTIONS. I. WHAT A VALE OF TEARS IS THIS WORLD! HOW various and numerous are the evils to which human life is exposed! "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble!" II. LET THE AFFLICTED REMEMBER THAT THEY ARE NOT LEFT WITHOUT RESOURCE. Let them learn where to flee in the day of trouble. It is to the Friend of sinners. III. WHAT THINK YOU OF CHRIST? Does not His character combine every excellency and attraction? (W. Jay.) 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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