51. The Widow's Son

Soon afterwards, he went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a large crowd, went with him. When he came near to the gate of the city, he met a funeral procession of people mourning for the only son of a widow. 

When Jesus saw her, he had compassion for her, and said, “Don’t cry.” He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” The boy sat up, and began to speak. Jesus gave him back to his mother.

All were amazed and praised God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” This report went out concerning him in all Judea, and throughout the surrounding region.

Do you know someone who has had a near death experience? How do you react when you hear about something defying medical explanation? Do you assume science will eventually figure out what happened?

Prayer: Keep me open, Lord, to the mysteries of life and death.

 

50. The Centurion's Servant

After Jesus had finished speaking, he went to Capernaum, where a centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and at the point of death. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and save his servant. When the elders came to Jesus, they pleaded with him, saying, “This man is worthy of your help; he loves our nation, and built our synagogue for us.” 

Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying, “Master, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. I’m not even worthy to come to you; say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man with authority over soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus was told this, he marveled at what he heard, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith anywhere in Israel.” Those who were sent returned to the house and found the servant was now well.

It is remarkable that leaders of a synagogue would speak highly of a Roman officer, given the hatred Jews felt toward their oppressors, but this was an unusual man. He could have heartlessly replaced his servant with another; instead, he wanted the servant to be healed. Have your preconceived ideas toward people of a different race, religion, ethnic group, political party or sexual orientation been at odds with someone you’ve come to know? How has that affected you?

Prayer: Bring into my life, Lord, those who will challenge my prejudices.