Faithful on Fridays Blog

Scene Five

Luke’s conversations and discussions with eyewitnesses uniquely equipped him for reporting the most healings in the Bible, but in Chapter 7 something rare occurs in His ministry. He visited the village of Nain, whose name means beautiful or sweet, and what happened there fit the bill. 

As a medical professional Luke cared about the well-being of people, but nothing prepared him for what happened in Nain: a resurrection. Here’s the story. An unnamed widow was following her only son’s funeral procession with Jesus watching behind the scenes. When His eyes locked on this hopeless, grieving widow, who didn’t ask for His help, compassion filled our Savior’s heart and He commanded the corpse to stand, consequently, her son’s dead body obeyed the Voice of God. Now remember, Luke’s listening to this account, knows death is permanent, hadn’t physically met Jesus, and yet writes this all down in apparent wonder. Who is this Man who has authority over terminal sicknesses and chronic diseases, but also over death? Wouldn’t it have been wonderful if Luke was interviewing the widow’s son? Speculation, I know, but what an interview that would be! Of course the people responded giving glory to God, admitting that Jesus was at least a great prophet, but thankfully they declared that “God has visited His people.” 

Think about it, Jesus proved His power over death, but just as important, He restored a family. Know any family that needs some reconciliation? Jesus is our Mediator, our middle man, therefore, we can ask Him for that same power to speak life into our loved ones.

Luke is listening and recording the life of our Lord who loves people, all people, proves it with story after story … like the next one: Simon the Pharisee (7:36-50). Only Luke includes this story of a religious leader who invited Jesus to dinner, however, we learn that He was shown none of the common courtesies of the day, contrasted with a sinful woman who snuck in, hid behind Him, with a gift already prepared. Pride or humility, rebellious heart or repentant heart? Simon, a religious man, cared about rules; she, a sinful woman, cared about relationship. Where do you fit in? 

Luke must’ve been fascinated with this narrative as he documented Jesus’ parable driving home His point. Two debtors, one owed $500 and the other $50 and yet both were forgiven their debt. Jesus poignant question, “Who will love more?” Like a good Pharisee, Simon answered correctly, and yet Jesus took the opportunity to take a lower story and give us the upper story: Jesus forgives our debt of sin that we could never repay, however, we have to humble ourselves and ask for it. That’s called repentance and He’s ready to forgive and wipe your slate clean today. 

Let’s take the time this week to tell Him how much we appreciate what He did for us by suffering an unspeakable death in our place. “Who will love more?” Let the answer be you.