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.

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Illustration

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

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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.

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