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This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Grieving Widow’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-17
This is the sixth sermon in our series on the Encountering Jesus from Luke. This sermon is ‘The Grieving Widow’. Preacher: The Rev’d Adam Lowe. Bible Reading: Luke 7:11-17
DOWNLOAD the Small Group Questions, Going Deeper, and Sermon Transcript (PDF).
Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
CONNECT: How can we be a humble example of faith on our frontlines this week? Think of one setting/scenario.
WARM-UP
In the face of human suffering, have you ever been willing to help but unable to do so? How does it make you feel when you are in this situation?
Have you ever been able to help but unwilling to do so? What is at the heart of your unwillingness?
Read Luke 7:11-13
What do you think this funeral would have been like? How does it differ to typical funerals in Australia?
Who were the people with the widow in this procession? Where would they have been going?
What are the ways we express grief in the context of community? What could we learn from this one?
How would the sonʼs death been devastating to his mother on many levels? Why was the widow now potentially destitute?
When Jesus sees the woman, what is the immediate response in his heart? How is this a great comfort?
What does it mean for you to know that in Jesus we find the one who is full of compassion?
What does Jesus say to the woman? Is he being insensitive? Why would he say this?
Read Luke 7:14-17
What does Jesus say to the man? Who would you have been looking at? What happens next?
What are the ways in which Jesusʼ authority have been demonstrated in Luke? Whatʼs notable here?
Was this resurrection final? What purpose did it ultimately serve? Why for this widow? (cf. vv.21-22)
In what way does the crowd recognise who Jesus is yet still not have a complete picture of him?
How in Jesus do we witness that God is both willing and able to address our greatest need? How should that fill us with great security and hope?
When you put your trust in Jesus, how is this manʼs resurrection like ours? How is it different?
How is a choice for Jesus a choice for life? How should this future reality impinge on our lives today?
In what ways - as individuals and a community - should we both grieve and hope in the face of death?
APPLY: How can we live in a way that points to the certain hope that we have of resurrection?
Compassionate Father, thank you that Jesus has broken the stranglehold of sin and death! Please help us to live in a way that points to the reality of life that awaits those who trust in Jesus. In Jesusʼ Name, Amen.
On Your Frontline This Week: Who on your frontline is finding life challenging at the moment? How can you take extra time and care to show them Godʼs love?
Listen, Watch, and Read:
SERIES Resources:
Scripture Journal: for the Gospel of Luke. For example, https://bit.ly/3A6N9CO
Each week St Bart’s Kids and CHARGE Youth provides resources for you to use at home. Join the livestream and then spend 30 minutes to work through these together.
Families: Read, Chat, Do, and Pray
High School: CHARGE Discussion Questions
Kids’ Talk: Watch the Kids’ Talk
eBook: Watch the eBook
Listen to the latest sermons and talks from St Bart's Anglican Church located in Toowoomba, Australia. Visit www.stbarts.com.au for the latest news and information.