Jesus' Compassion: The Miracle of Life and Hope
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Bold Faith Community Church! Today, we explored the profound miracle of Jesus raising a widow's son from the dead, as recounted in Luke 7:11-17. This story not only highlights Jesus' authority over death but also His deep compassion for those in pain. As Jesus traveled with His disciples and a large crowd, He encountered a funeral procession for a widow's only son. Moved by her grief, Jesus approached her, defying social norms and religious laws, and told her not to cry. He then touched the stretcher and commanded the dead man to rise, and the man immediately obeyed, coming back to life and speaking.
This miracle reveals several key aspects of Jesus' character and mission. First, it shows that Jesus is always on the move, going where He is needed, and not waiting for people to come to Him. It also illustrates that not everyone who follows Jesus is a true disciple; some are merely spectators. Furthermore, Jesus' compassion for the widow demonstrates that He is deeply moved by our pain and grief, even when we don't explicitly ask for His help. His willingness to become ceremonially unclean by touching the stretcher underscores His priority of love over law.
The story also emphasizes the power of Jesus' word. The dead man heard Jesus' command and responded with immediate obedience, highlighting the importance of hearing and heeding God's word in our own lives. Finally, the miracle shows that Jesus' blessings can extend to others for our sake. The widow's son was blessed and returned to her, not because of his own actions, but because of her pain and Jesus' compassion for her.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus Goes Where He Is Needed: Jesus was always on the move, fulfilling His mission by going to places where He was needed. This challenges us to be proactive in our own callings, not waiting for people to come to us but going out to serve those we are called to help. Are you on the move for your purpose? [10:03]
2. Not Everyone Following You Is Assigned to You: Just as not everyone in the crowd following Jesus was a disciple, not everyone who follows us is meant to be part of our mission. Focus on those who are truly assigned to you and don't get distracted by the numbers or the noise. [11:19]
3. Jesus Is Moved by Our Pain: The widow didn't ask Jesus for help, but her visible grief moved Him to act. Sometimes, our pain and vulnerability are invitations for God's presence and power. Don't hide your pain from God; let it be a catalyst for His intervention. [14:03]
4. Immediate Obedience to God's Word: The dead man heard Jesus' command and immediately obeyed. This teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's instructions. Our breakthroughs often lie on the other side of our obedience. Are you quicker to obey than a dead man? [24:18]
5. Blessings for Others' Sake: Jesus blessed the widow's son for her sake, not because of the son's actions. Similarly, God may bless those around us to bring peace and relief to us. Understand that God's blessings can come through others for our benefit. [32:42]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:24] - How to Join Bold Faith Community Church
[02:47] - Importance of Daily Bible Study
[04:14] - Prayers for Those Affected by the Storm
[05:42] - Introduction to Today's Topic: Blessed for You
[07:17] - Jesus Raises a Widow's Son (Luke 7:11-17)
[08:51] - Jesus' Mission and the Crowd
[10:03] - Are You Going Where You're Needed?
[11:19] - Not Everyone Following You Is Assigned to You
[12:37] - The Funeral Procession and Jewish Traditions
[14:03] - Jesus' Compassion for the Widow
[15:35] - The Widow's Grief and Jesus' Response
[17:06] - Personal Reflections on Dependence and Charity
[18:17] - The Importance of Vulnerability with God
[19:36] - Pain as an Invitation for God's Presence
[21:01] - Jesus Chooses Love Over Law
[22:24] - The Dead Man Hears and Obeys Jesus
[24:18] - Immediate Obedience to God's Word
[25:46] - What Has Death Stolen from You?
[27:35] - Jesus Returns What Death Has Taken
[29:05] - Witnessing Miracles and Praising God
[30:49] - Distinction Between Blessings for Others' Sake
[32:42] - God Blesses Others for Your Benefit
[34:16] - Applying the Lessons from the Miracle
[35:34] - Jesus' Compassion and Authority
[37:16] - Hearing and Heeding God's Word
[38:34] - God's Authority Doesn't Need Consent
[40:18] - No One Is Too Far Gone for Christ
[41:27] - Rejoicing in God's Authority and Blessings
[42:48] - God Blesses Others for You
[44:15] - Financial Blessings for the Church
[45:46] - Blessings in Your Circle
[47:06] - Salvation and Returning to Christ
[50:11] - Joining the Bold Faith Community
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 7:11-17
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' immediate reaction when He saw the widow grieving for her son? ([14:03])
2. How did Jesus defy social norms and religious laws during the funeral procession? ([12:37])
3. What was the response of the crowd after Jesus raised the widow's son from the dead? ([07:17])
4. How did the dead man respond to Jesus' command? ([22:24])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' willingness to touch the stretcher and become ceremonially unclean tell us about His priorities? ([21:01])
2. How does the story illustrate the difference between true disciples and mere spectators? ([11:19])
3. In what ways does Jesus' compassion for the widow reflect His character and mission? ([14:03])
4. How does the immediate obedience of the dead man to Jesus' command challenge our own responsiveness to God's word? ([24:18])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus was always on the move, going where He was needed. Are you proactive in your calling, or do you wait for opportunities to come to you? How can you be more proactive this week? ([10:03])
2. Reflect on the people who follow you in your life. How can you discern who is truly assigned to you and who might just be a spectator? ([11:19])
3. Jesus was moved by the widow's visible grief. Are there areas of pain in your life that you have been hiding from God? How can you be more open and vulnerable with Him? ([14:03])
4. The dead man immediately obeyed Jesus' command. Think of a recent instruction from God that you have delayed in obeying. What steps can you take to respond more promptly? ([24:18])
5. Jesus blessed the widow's son for her sake, not because of the son's actions. Can you identify a situation where God might be blessing someone else for your benefit? How does this change your perspective on God's blessings? ([32:42])
6. Jesus chose love over law by touching the stretcher. Are there any "laws" or rules in your life that you need to set aside to show love to someone in need? ([21:01])
7. The crowd praised God after witnessing the miracle. How can you share the miracles and blessings in your life to inspire others to praise God? ([29:05])
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus Goes Where He Is Needed
Jesus was always on the move, fulfilling His mission by going to places where He was needed. This challenges us to be proactive in our own callings, not waiting for people to come to us but going out to serve those we are called to help. Jesus' encounter with the widow's funeral procession in Luke 7:11-17 exemplifies this. He didn't wait for the widow to seek Him out; instead, He approached her in her moment of deepest sorrow. This act of compassion and initiative is a powerful reminder that we, too, should be attentive and responsive to the needs around us.
In our daily lives, it's easy to become complacent, waiting for opportunities to serve to come to us. However, Jesus' example calls us to be proactive, to seek out those who are hurting, and to offer our help and compassion. Are you on the move for your purpose? Are you actively seeking ways to fulfill your calling and serve others?
Luke 19:10 (ESV): "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Reflection: Are you actively seeking out opportunities to serve others, or are you waiting for them to come to you? How can you be more proactive in fulfilling your purpose today? [10:03]
Day 2: Not Everyone Following You Is Assigned to You
Just as not everyone in the crowd following Jesus was a disciple, not everyone who follows us is meant to be part of our mission. It's important to discern who is truly assigned to us and who is merely a spectator. Jesus had many followers, but He focused on His disciples, those who were committed to His mission and teachings. This teaches us to focus on those who are genuinely aligned with our purpose and not to be distracted by the numbers or the noise.
In our personal and professional lives, we often encounter people who are interested in what we do but are not necessarily committed to our mission. It's crucial to identify and invest in those who are truly assigned to us, those who share our vision and are willing to walk the journey with us. This discernment helps us to stay focused and effective in our calling.
John 6:66-67 (ESV): "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?'"
Reflection: Are there people in your life who are merely spectators rather than true partners in your mission? How can you focus more on those who are genuinely assigned to you? [11:19]
Day 3: Jesus Is Moved by Our Pain
The widow didn't ask Jesus for help, but her visible grief moved Him to act. Sometimes, our pain and vulnerability are invitations for God's presence and power. Jesus' compassion for the widow in Luke 7:11-17 shows that He is deeply moved by our pain and grief, even when we don't explicitly ask for His help. This teaches us that we don't need to hide our pain from God; instead, we should let it be a catalyst for His intervention.
In moments of deep sorrow and vulnerability, it's easy to feel isolated and forgotten. However, Jesus' response to the widow's grief reminds us that God sees our pain and is moved by it. We can bring our pain to Him, trusting that He will respond with compassion and power.
Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
Reflection: Are you hiding your pain from God, or are you allowing it to be an invitation for His presence and power? How can you bring your pain to God today and trust Him to respond? [14:03]
Day 4: Immediate Obedience to God's Word
The dead man heard Jesus' command and immediately obeyed. This teaches us the importance of responding promptly to God's instructions. Our breakthroughs often lie on the other side of our obedience. In Luke 7:11-17, the dead man’s immediate response to Jesus' command highlights the power and authority of Jesus' word. It also serves as a powerful reminder for us to be quick to obey God's instructions in our own lives.
Delayed obedience is often a form of disobedience. When God speaks to us, whether through His Word, prayer, or other means, our immediate response should be one of obedience. This promptness in following God's instructions can lead to significant breakthroughs and blessings in our lives.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: Are you quick to obey God's instructions, or do you find yourself hesitating? What is one area where you can practice immediate obedience to God's word today? [24:18]
Day 5: Blessings for Others' Sake
Jesus blessed the widow's son for her sake, not because of the son's actions. Similarly, God may bless those around us to bring peace and relief to us. The miracle in Luke 7:11-17 shows that God's blessings can extend to others for our sake. The widow's son was brought back to life not because of his own actions, but because of Jesus' compassion for his mother. This teaches us that God's blessings can come through others for our benefit.
In our lives, we may experience blessings that come through the actions or circumstances of others. These blessings are a reminder of God's compassion and care for us. We should be grateful for these blessings and recognize that they are a manifestation of God's love and provision.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV): "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: Can you identify a blessing in your life that came through someone else? How can you express gratitude for this blessing and recognize it as a manifestation of God's love and provision? [32:42]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Bold Faith Community Church exists to help women develop a personal relationship with Christ, walk boldly in their faith and apply the word of God to every area of their lives. We will fulfill our mission by equipping and training women to be ministers in the word of God. The vision is to build a community of women who are bold in their faith, confident in their calling and courageous in their pursuits." [01:24] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes your pain is an invitation for the presence and the power of God to come in. Sometimes it's not a prayer. Sometimes you are in so much pain and anguish, right? That God has moved by your mourning. And that is the thing that invites God in, but you are denying yourself the, you are denying yourself, denying, allowing yourself to feel this pain, to experience this pain because you're tired, because you're overwhelmed." [19:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you realize that God out of his grace and mercy, his goodness is returning to his people, the things that have been lost, stolen, taken. He's given those things back to you. I wonder what it would look like, how it would change your mindset and how you go through this season." [38:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There isn't a place where his power is weakened. There is no disagreement that is stronger than the authority of God. Do you understand what I'm saying? There isn't anybody who is so mad, so far gone. They too far gone for Christ. They ain't never too far gone for Christ. Not on the stretcher, not buried in a tomb. They never too far." [40:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Is there anything too hard for the Lord? There isn't. And because he sees you and loves you, friend, he is going to do this thing. He's going to bless you for you. He's, listen, he's going to bless you for me. I ain't going back to work. Who with me? Who ain't going back? I'm not going back. You know what? He's going to bless you for me. He ain't even blessing you for you." [42:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Everybody that is following you is not a disciple right because everybody following Jesus was not a disciple everybody that was following Jesus wasn't a disciple and so that means that not everybody who was following us is assigned to us that's one of the first things that we can see here." [08:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Sometimes we get into such difficult situations and it's been so long and we feel so forgotten that we kind of have this attitude where we want to hide our pain from God. We're tired of crying about the same thing, we're tired of being in this pain, we're tired of losing again like dang every time I turn around something that's going wrong I'm tired of crying I'm tired of being sad I'm tired of struggling." [18:17] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes our healing and the resurrecting of things in our life comes by the hearing and heeding of the word of God. He is giving you some instruction can the dead hear better than you the dead more obedient than you when he tells you to get up when he tells you to stop playing small when he tells you to do something do you act like you didn't hear him when the dead can hear do you respond with immediate obedience our breakthrough is on the other side of our obedience." [24:18] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I wonder if you are denying your pain and the grief and the experience I wonder if you are afraid to even be vulnerable with God because you've been crying about this thing for so long this person has been dealing with addiction for so long this person has been mistreating you for so long it's been like this for such a long time they seem so settled in their ways it seems like a permanent state." [34:16] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Some of you are going to be blessed financially for me. Do you understand what I'm saying? Because God expects me to bring the first fruits and because you're generous and because this is the place. Now, listen, I want y'all to get what I'm saying. So when her husband died, that made the son responsible. That made the mother, the son's responsibility, according to the standards of God, he is to take care of his mother." [44:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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