What Jesus Did! 'Compassion for Those Who Grieve' — Luke 7:11-13

Monday, April 24, 2023

Soon afterward Jesus went with his disciples to the village of Nain, and a large crowd followed him. A funeral procession was coming out as he approached the village gate. The young man who had died was a widow's only son, and a large crowd from the village was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart overflowed with compassion. "Don't cry!" he said.
— Luke 7:11-13 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' heart went out to this woman who was left all alone. While many mourned with her, Jesus longed to comfort her. His heart was full of compassion. Knowing what he was about to do, [1] he could say what no one else could say: "Don't cry!" Most of us can only cry with those who have lost loved ones. Only Jesus can truly wipe away our tears. Jesus is touched by our loss and by our mortal limitations. That's why he came to earth. We can be assured that he feels our losses in the same way. [2] When we cry in grief, we do not cry alone.

[1] Luke 7:14-15.
[2] Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:15.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for sending Jesus to be the answer to our sentence of death. I am profoundly touched by his empathy and concern for those who have lost loved ones. Use me to bless those touched by death and to share your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

'My Child, Get Up!'
Article by Phil Ware
Most of our earth-bound explanations are shallow and trite in the face of life's harshest realities. Phil Ware pauses and looks at the pain of grieving parents at the loss of a child and reminds us to forgo easy answers and cling to the stories and promises of Jesus.
Grace for the Opposites
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Child of the King of Glory, Whatever your situation in life is or may have been, I want you to know that when you hurt, I care! You see, I don't..."
Look Them in the Eye
Article by Phil Ware
What do you have to hide? Phil Ware shares his father's values in a letter to his children Zachary and Megan

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 7:11-13 NLT — "Don't cry!"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, April 24, 2023

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'God's Secret Wisdom' (1 Co. 2:6-10)
"Dear Father, revealer of secret wisdom, Thank you for revealing to us what has been hidden, the wisdom which you decreed before the ages concerning....."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Psalm 23:1-3
"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Mother Teresa:
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature — trees, flowers, grass — grows...."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Managing Your Assets with Spiritual Wisdom'
"Dear Disciple, Over the ages, people have freely talked with each other about almost everything, except how they spend their money. Once the talk..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!