Bible Pathway - Oct. 23, 2011
Read Luke 6
Highlights:
The Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath (Luke 6:5). The twelve apostles chosen (6:12-16). The Sermon on the Mount (6:20-49). Foundation for life (6:47-49). Jesus heals the sick (7:1-10), raises the dead (7:11-18), forgives sin: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven (7:47).
Jesus went into a city called Nain. . . . there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. . . . And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not (Luke 7:11-13). The words: Weep not, were spoken before Jesus performed the miracle.
The Creator of Life stood face to face with the pallbearers of death. That procession was going one way — to the grave — and into their midst came Jesus, the One who is the Giver of the Resurrected Life.
No one in the procession of death pleaded with the Savior. No request was presented to Him. The only appeal was that of the deep sorrow and desperate emptiness which filled the mother's heart. Our need, our helplessness, and our sorrow touch the heart of the Lord Jesus with loving compassion even when we are so despondent that we cannot even think to pray.
Sometimes nothing seems emptier to a grieving person than the usual sincere, well-meant words of comfort from those who don't understand. How precious to know that the Lord is with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Ps. 23:4)! His words of comfort so often soften the harshness of our sorrow.
Jesus spoke just seven words: Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. And the young man sat up (Luke 7:14-15). Wherever that dead man's soul was, he heard and obeyed Christ's voice. This miracle demonstrated Jesus' power over the last enemy, death (I Cor. 15:22,26; Rev. 1:18).
This miracle gives evidence that when a person dies physically, it is not the end. We see in Christ's action here a prophetic forecast of the future when all the dead in Christ (believers who have died) will hear His voice and shall rise to join Christ — the Joy of heaven. Then we (Christians) which are alive also will be united Christ and will be reunited with our loved ones (I Thess. 4:16-17).
That miracle in Nain stands as a symbol of Jesus' purpose on earth: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Jesus Himself declared: The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live (John 5:25).
Thought for Today:
Jesus said unto her, I am The Resurrection, and The Life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live (John 11:25).
Cross References:
For Luke 7:22: See Is. 61:1. Luke 7:27: See Mal. 3:1.
Word Studies:
6:11 communed discussed; 7:14 bier open coffin on which a corpse was carried to burial.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Central African Republic (3 million) in the center of the African continent • Major languages: French and Sangho • Religious freedom • 47% Protestant; 34% Roman Catholic; 12% animist; 3% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to reveal what is not pleasing to Him (Ps. 139:23-24).
Memory Verse for the Week:
