Luke 7:13Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

When the widow cried out in grief, our Creator, Christ the God, approached her. The all-knowing God, who perceives everything even before creation, recognized her. “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you” (Jeremiah 1:5). He, the father of the fatherless and the judge of widows, transforms sorrow into joy, has turned the entrance of Nain into a house of worship, and the bier of the dead into a sacred altar. Where the gift of resurrection resides, there lies the beauty of this altar; and wherever the hands of the Word of God extend, the fullness of resurrection is realized. The departing became a sacrament, and the outpouring became an invitation. What does the evangelist convey?

He felt compassion for the woman and, to soothe her sorrow, he instructed her, saying: ‘Weep not.’ At once, the reason for her tears was taken away: but how or by what means did this happen?

These passages reveal a profound grace that unfolds in two ways. We observe how divine compassion is swiftly moved by the sorrow of a grieving mother, burdened by the illness and loss of her sole son. The multitude accompanying the funeral underscores the honor attributed to this widow. In her mourning, this widow represents more than a mere woman pleading through her tears for her son’s revival. The holy Church, through its outpouring of compassion, mirrors this as it beckons the youth away from the somberness of a funeral and emphasizes the promise of life. She is reminded not to mourn for one who is destined to be raised again (cf. Lk. 23:28).

Observing her deep sorrow, He contemplated her tears. While the crowd may have felt compassion for her, how much greater was His empathy, for He is the wellspring of compassion?

When the Lord encountered a mother, a widow who had placed all her trust in her only son, whom she had lost to an untimely death, He witnessed her sorrow as she mourned and wept for him. It is said that He "had mercy on her." How could He respond differently, being the Protector of orphans and the Advocate for widows? He spoke to her with words of comfort and foresaw what was to come, saying, "Do not weep." For He understood His purpose in that moment. However, the woman did not recognize Him, nor did she grasp what was on the verge of unfolding. Thus, she possessed neither faith nor sought anything from Him, and He did not demand faith from her.

Beneath, the mother of the departed pleaded, while another interceded; yet it was the Most Compassionate One Himself who, embodying true mercy, felt pity upon witnessing this woman lamenting for her child. Initially, He consoled her verbally, saying, "Do not weep"; and then, through action, He restored her beloved son to life. In this way, the Savior illustrates the essence of genuine compassion, encouraging us to respond to the sorrows of the afflicted without waiting for prayers or requests—what need is there for words when actions can speak? We are called to readily offer our hands in charitable service. Let us also take note of the example set before us, as the Lord of all extends mercy to the grieving mother.

Shortly thereafter, during His travels in Galilee, a remarkable and extraordinary event unfolded before the eyes of the Apostles, which dramatically showcased the Divine glory of the Savior. In the midst of a crowd, He restored to life a young man, the son of a widow, who was already on his way to burial. While Elisha also had the power to raise the dead, his methods were varied and complex. In contrast, Jesus simply spoke a word and touched the young man's bier, bringing him back from death.

The following day, Jesus entered the town of Nain with His disciples and a large crowd of people. As He neared the entrance of the town, He encountered a sorrowful funeral procession. The pain of losing a loved one was intensified as the deceased was the only son of a grieving widow. Upon seeing her, the Lord felt deep compassion and said to her, “Do not weep.” He then approached the bier and touched it, instructing those who were carrying it to halt. They complied, and the Lord declared, “Young man, I say to you, arise!” Instantly, the deceased sat up and began to speak, providing undeniable evidence that he had been brought back to life. Jesus took him from the bier and gave him back to his mother.

The profound sorrow of the mother resonated deeply within the infinitely compassionate heart of the Savior. In His mercy towards the grieving mother, He gently reassured her with the words, “Weep not,” and approached the bier where the lifeless young man rested. Once again setting aside the conventional laws, He laid His hand upon the body. In that moment, a hush fell over the onlookers, who awaited what would happen next. The pallbearers halted, paralyzed by fear. Then, amidst the grieving family and the solemn crowd, Christ's serene voice broke through the silence: “Young man, I say to you, arise.”

The Lord took note of the profound sorrow of the grieving mother and, moved by compassion, acted in a manner that was rare and extraordinary (Matt. 8:14-15; 15:32; Luke 13:12). His mercy flowed forth solely by His own intention, without any entreaty from the distressed woman or her companions. He reassured her, saying, "Weep not," not to scorn her maternal anguish, but to offer her a glimpse of the impending comfort. What a momentous occasion it was! Each person's gaze was fixed upon Him. Jesus approached, touched the bier, and upon the halt of those carrying it, as the Sovereign of both life and death, He proclaimed with authority: "I say to you, young man, arise." His creative command was immediately fulfilled: the deceased awoke, sat upright, and began to speak.