LUKE 7:11–17
JESUS RAISES THE WIDOW’S SON AT NAIN
Text – Luke 7:11–17
11 Soon afterward he journeyed to a city called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd accompanied him.
12 As he drew near to the gate of the city, a man who had died was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. A large crowd from the city was with her.
13 When the Lord saw her, he was moved with pity for her and said to her, “Do not weep.”
14 He stepped forward and touched the coffin; at this the bearers halted, and he said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!”
15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
16 Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, exclaiming, “A great prophet has arisen in our midst,” and “God has visited his people.”
17 This report about him spread through the whole of Judea and in all the surrounding region.
Historical and Jewish Context
Nain was a small village in Galilee, and funerals were deeply significant in Jewish culture. A widow who lost her only son faced not only profound grief but social and economic devastation, as she had no male protector or provider. Public mourning with large processions was common. According to Jewish law, touching a coffin would render someone ritually unclean (Numbers 19:11), but Jesus willingly crosses this boundary out of compassion. His action evokes the great prophets Elijah and Elisha, who raised the dead (cf. 1 Kings 17:17–24; 2 Kings 4:32–37), prompting the crowd to call Him a prophet.
Catholic Theological Perspective
Jesus reveals divine compassion and authority over death itself (CCC 994–1006). His miracle restores not just the son’s life, but the mother’s hope and dignity. The raising of the widow’s son prefigures His own Resurrection and the resurrection of the faithful (CCC 640, 1002). The phrase “God has visited His people” reflects Luke’s theme of divine intervention and redemption (cf. Luke 1:68). The miracle is a powerful sign of Christ’s mission to heal, restore, and overcome the power of sin and death.
Parallels in Scripture
1 Kings 17:17–24 – Elijah raises the widow’s son in Zarephath
2 Kings 4:32–37 – Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s son
John 11:1–44 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
Luke 8:49–56 – Raising of Jairus’ daughter
Luke 24:5–6 – The Resurrection of Jesus
Key Terms
Widow – Symbol of vulnerability and social isolation
Only Son – Intensifies the mother’s loss; reflects Jesus, the only Son of God
Moved with Pity – Greek: splagchnizomai, a deep divine compassion
Arise – Command of divine power over death
God Has Visited – Recognition of God’s saving presence among His people
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is proclaimed during Ordinary Time and funeral liturgies, offering hope in Christ’s victory over death. It underscores the Church’s mission to proclaim resurrection and support those who grieve. It also inspires acts of mercy for the vulnerable, especially widows, orphans, and the suffering.
Conclusion
Jesus meets sorrow with compassion and transforms it into joy. He does not ignore the pain of the widow but enters into it, restoring her son and her future. This miracle is a foretaste of the resurrection and a sign that, in Christ, death does not have the final word.
Reflection
Do I bring my grief and sorrow honestly to Jesus, trusting in His compassion?
How can I imitate Christ’s mercy toward those who are vulnerable and grieving?
Do I believe in the resurrection and live in the hope it brings?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Lord of life. When You saw the widow’s grief, You were moved with compassion and brought her son back to life. Bring comfort to all who mourn and help me to trust in Your promise of resurrection. Make me an instrument of Your mercy to those in sorrow. Amen.