Widow of Nain

Sermon preached for 9.45 Holy Communion (BCP) at St Michael’s Baddesley Clinton
Sunday 6th June 2010, Trinity 1 (Proper 5) Year C

Readings: Gal 1: 11-24 Luke 7: 11-17


Bullet Points Only

Some particular features of this miracle (the widow of Nain)

- nobody asked Jesus to do it, it is complete gift done from his own initiative
o God’s free gift

- But what made Jesus do it
o considerable number of people with the widow
o the cry to heaven goes up
o people are drawn in by love, to love more
o examples I have experienced

- Jesus’ motivation is compassion
o contrast many of Jesus’ miracles are in response to faith
o seem to be aimed at building up faith (although he asks for secrecy)
o in fact this miracle seems to have the effect of building faith

- What is overcome is death – biggest obstacle
o but the son will die again

The miracle looks back – parallels to Elijah and the widow’s only son (1 Kings 17: 23)
- gave him to his mother
- a great prophet has arisen
Miracle looks forward– build up to the question from the followers of John the Baptist
“Are you the one who is to come”
- Miracles show power of Jesus over nature – sickness, death and devils
o these things are ultimately overcome by Jesus
- miracles are pointers to the kingdom of God
- point to the new heaven and the new earth of Rev 21
o no longer any crying or sadness or pain or death

How do we respond
- allow our faith to grow
- solidarity with those who suffer – in prayer and support
- trust Jesus, the one more powerful than death