Luke 7:15

And the dead man sat up and began to speak! Then Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Study Bible

And the dead man
The phrase "the dead man" refers to the young man from the town of Nain, who had passed away and was being carried out for burial. In the original Greek, the word for "dead" is "νεκρός" (nekros), which signifies a lifeless body, emphasizing the finality and hopelessness of death. This sets the stage for the miraculous nature of what Jesus is about to do, highlighting His power over life and death, a power that only God possesses. In the cultural context of first-century Judea, death was a profound and communal event, often involving public mourning and processions, which underscores the public nature of this miracle.

sat up
The act of sitting up is a physical demonstration of life returning to the young man. The Greek word "ἀνέκαθισεν" (anekathisen) is used here, which means to sit up or rise. This action is immediate and visible, serving as undeniable evidence of the miracle. In the context of the Gospel, this act symbolizes the power of Jesus to reverse the irreversible, to bring life where there was death, and to restore hope where there was despair. It is a foretaste of the resurrection power that Jesus Himself will demonstrate and offer to all believers.

and began to speak!
The young man's speaking is a further confirmation of his restored life. In the Greek, "ἤρξατο λαλεῖν" (ērxato lalein) indicates that he began to speak, suggesting a return to normalcy and consciousness. Speech is a sign of life and presence of mind, and in the biblical narrative, it often signifies the restoration of relationship and community. This detail emphasizes the completeness of the miracle—Jesus not only restores physical life but also the ability to communicate and interact, which is essential for human connection and community.

Then Jesus gave him back to his mother
This phrase highlights the compassion and personal nature of Jesus' miracles. The Greek word "ἔδωκεν" (edōken) means "gave," indicating an intentional and generous act. By giving the young man back to his mother, Jesus restores not only a life but also a family and a future. In the historical and cultural context, a widow losing her only son would face significant social and economic challenges, as sons were often the primary providers. Jesus' act is not only a miracle of life but also an act of social restoration and compassion, reflecting the heart of God for the vulnerable and marginalized. This miracle serves as a powerful testament to Jesus' authority and His deep empathy for human suffering, offering hope and assurance to all who trust in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority over life and death by raising the widow's son.

2. The Widow
A grieving mother who had lost her only son, representing vulnerability and despair in society.

3. The Dead Man
The widow's son, who is miraculously brought back to life by Jesus.

4. Nain
A small town in Galilee where this miracle takes place, highlighting Jesus' ministry in various regions.

5. The Crowd
Witnesses to the miracle, their reaction underscores the impact of Jesus' actions on the people.

Teaching Points

Divine Compassion
Jesus' act of raising the widow's son reflects His deep compassion for human suffering. As followers of Christ, we are called to show compassion to those in distress.

Authority Over Death
This miracle affirms Jesus' divine authority over life and death, encouraging believers to trust in His power in all circumstances.

Hope in Despair
The restoration of the widow's son offers hope to those in seemingly hopeless situations, reminding us that Jesus can bring life and restoration where there is loss.

Witness to God's Power
The crowd's reaction to the miracle serves as a reminder that our lives should be a testimony to God's power and grace, drawing others to faith.

Faith and Expectation
Believers are encouraged to approach Jesus with faith and expectation, knowing that He is able to do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' miracle in Luke 7:15 demonstrate His compassion and authority? Reflect on how this impacts your understanding of His character.

2. Compare the raising of the widow's son with other resurrection accounts in the Bible. What similarities and differences do you observe, and what do they teach us about God's power?

3. In what ways can we, as Christians, show compassion to those who are grieving or in despair, following Jesus' example in this passage?

4. How does the miracle at Nain encourage you to trust Jesus in your own life situations that seem hopeless or beyond repair?

5. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced God's power in a significant way. How did it affect your faith, and how can you share that testimony with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Kings 17:17-24
The account of Elijah raising the widow's son in Zarephath parallels Jesus' miracle, showing God's power to restore life.

John 11:38-44
Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead further illustrates His authority over death and foreshadows His own resurrection.

Acts 9:36-42
Peter raising Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead demonstrates the continuation of Jesus' power through His apostles.

Hebrews 2:14-15
Discusses Jesus' victory over death, providing a theological foundation for understanding His miracles of resurrection.