Vessels of Comfort Lifeline for Today Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Soon afterward Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow, and with her was a large crowd from the town. When the Lord saw her, he was moved with compassion for her and said to her, “Do not cry.” [Luke 7:11-13]

If you are like me, you probably can’t count the number of times as a child you were comforted with the words, “Don’t cry.” Something about those two words just made you feel a little better, even if the magnitude of the situation didn’t change. The mother in this passage of scripture was in a grave state. In her case, the person telling her not to cry, however, was able to change her situation.

Jesus had been in Capernaum, a city located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. There, He had performed many miracles. In the beginning of this chapter, He healed the centurion’s servant. The Master was moved by the soldier, who through faith, believed that Jesus didn’t need to come to his house. He believed that Jesus only had to speak a word of healing. Because of the miracle that took place, many people believed and followed him. So now we find Jesus in a town called Nain where a widow’s only son had died. Surrounded by many of the townspeople, the woman was understandably distraught. Seeing her broke Jesus’ heart. He was moved with compassion and told her not to cry.

When we are going through any situation, it always helps to know that others care. But how much more to know that Jesus sees, and He cares? Lamentations 3:22 says, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.”

PRAYER: Father, I am grateful that you empathize when I hurt. Thank you for seeing me and all of my broken places––those places that are dead and need resurrection. In the name of Jesus, I praise you. Amen.