What does Jesus' miracle in Luke 7:11 reveal about His divine authority? Scene at the City Gate “Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples went with Him, accompanied by a large crowd. As He approached the town gate, a dead man was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow… When the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said, ‘Do not weep.’ Then He went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. ‘Young man,’ He said, ‘I say to you, get up!’ And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” What the Miracle Declares about Jesus’ Authority • Authority over death itself – Jesus issues a direct command, not a prayer request. – No biblical prophet ever spoke life back into a corpse by personal word alone (contrast Elijah, 1 Kings 17:20-22; Elisha, 2 Kings 4:32-35, who petitioned God). – Revelation 1:18 confirms: “I hold the keys of Death and of Hades.” • Authority displayed by sovereign word – Four words in Greek: “Young man, to you I say, arise.” – Psalm 33:9: “For He spoke, and it came to be.” The creative power of God is seen in Jesus’ speech. • Authority greater than ritual law – Touching a coffin rendered a Jew ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:11, 16). – Jesus’ holiness overwhelms impurity; He is the Lawgiver who supersedes ceremonial defilement. • Authority that flows from divine compassion – “He had compassion on her.” His power is never detached from His heart (Psalm 103:13; Matthew 9:36). – The miracle reveals the character of God: mighty and merciful. • Authority recognized, though imperfectly, by the crowd – “A great prophet has appeared among us… God has visited His people” (v. 16). – Their words echo Exodus 4:31 and point to the Incarnation—God dwelling among humanity (John 1:14). Connections to Messianic Expectation • Isaiah 35:5-6 promised that Messiah would reverse the curse—opening blind eyes, unstopping ears, even animating lifeless bodies. • Luke frames this miracle before John the Baptist’s question (7:18-23) to affirm Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy. Takeaways for Today • Jesus alone wields ultimate authority over life and death; our hope rests not in circumstances but in Him (John 11:25-26). • His authoritative word still speaks through Scripture—living and active (Hebrews 4:12). • The same compassion that moved Him at Nain assures believers of tender care in every sorrow (1 Peter 5:7). |
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