In the last of these passages over healing, we see how Jesus shows how He has the powerover the RESURRECTION death. Earlier he tells of Jairus faith in the healing of his daughter. Now we have another young woman who believes Jesus will heal her dying son.
After healing the young servant, he is leaving the town, but is still followed by many people. He wants the people to see PEOPLE'S FAITH, so they too can GROW IN THEIR BELIEF!
13. JESUS RAISES THE SON OF A WIDOW IN NAIN
Read Luke 7:11-17
Jesus came across a funeral in processsion, with a young boy who had died and his mother who was grieving. Jesus follower's stepped aside to let the procession pass by. Yet JESUS STOPPED THEM! The mother walked up to Jesus and He spoke to her.
"Don't cry! He went up and touched the coffin and the people who were carrying it STOPPED. Jesus said: "Young man, I tell you GET UP!" The son sat up and began to talk." Luke 7:14 (NCV)
Jesus smiled at the boy and embraced him. The crowd cheered and "praised Him". The woman hugged her son. Jesus spoke to her with love and kindness, and put his arm around them both, with mercy and compassion.
"The fear came came upon them all and they glorified God saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us. God has visited his people". And a report went out throughout all Judea and all the surrounding region." Luke 7:16&17 (NKJV)
"What can you do to demonstrate YOUR FAITH. Ask God to HELP YOU and BELIEVE, and HE WILl. Take a step and ACT!" Max Lucado
"Onle Jesus recognized the underpriviledged, raising the widow's son. Jesus, ever compassionate, is the Lord over death, in the Village of Nain." David & Pat Alexander
14. JESUS RAISES LAZARUS
Read John 11:1-44
This is one of the main healing ministries in the gospel of John, with the resurrection of Lazarus.
A messenger brought a word for Jesus: "Your friend Lazarus lay dying." After 2 days, after knowing his friend had died, Jesus and his disciples set out for Bethany.
He arrived with Martha waiting for Him:
"Lord, if you had been here before, my brother would not have died. But I know, tht even now, God will give you whatever you ask." John 11:21 (NIV)
Martha and Mary had earnestly requested Jesus' healing for they both TRUSTED in Him completely. Thet "trusted in the sweet assurance" of HIS WORDS AND ACTIONS.
Jesus clarified their truth for them:
"I am the RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. The One who BELIEVES IN ME will LIVE, even though he dies." John 11:25 (NIV)
Martha truly believed in Him:
"Yes Lord", she relied, "I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come into the world." John 11:27 (NIV)
Jesus had known that Bethany was 2 miles east of Jerusalem, and this his friend Lazarus would die before he made it there, but He wanted to show his family the POWER of HIS RESURRECTION. Still, JESUS WEPT!! He had grieved over his friends passing. He was indeed a sensitive person, and feeling pain.
"Jesus CRIED, so the Jews said: "See how much HE LOVED HIM." Again, feeling very upset, Jesus came to the tomb.......Jesus said, "Move the tomb away". So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Jesus looked up: "I thank You that you hear Me"....Lazarus, come out".... The dead man came out .... Jesus said to them: Take the cloth of him and let him go." John 11:38&39b, 41, 43,44b(NCV)
Jesus HEALED Lazaruz with the 'VICTORY over DEATH".
"Because of her FAITH, Jesus presented her with a token of HIS PROMISE, by performing the ultimate HEALING, by reversing the death and decay of Lazarus' body." Charles Swindoll
I have been there many a time - standing at the grave of a loved one, but I know I will meet up again with my family in Heaven. I believe they always love to celebrate, especially Christmas and Easter time together.
Because of Jesus' resurrection we too can have the ULTIMATE HEALING when He returns, and will also have these times of celebration with Him.
"Life confronts death and WINS! Yet, there are time we are allowed to rerspond to GRIEF, with Jesus, as our compassionate words of comfort." Max Lucado
"HOLY BIBLE - NEW KING JAMES VERSION", 1982, Thomas Nelson
"HOLY BIBLE - NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION", 1911, Biblica
"HOLY BIBLE - NEW CENTURY VERSION", 2005, Thomas Nelson
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