Jesus Raises the Widow's Son
Jesus encounters a funeral procession and raises a widow's only son from the dead, giving him back to his mother.
Luke 7:11-17
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The Story
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.
This widow had lost everything. Her husband was dead; now her only son was dead too. In that culture, without husband or son, she had no provider, no protector, no future. She faced poverty and vulnerability.
No one asked Jesus to help. He wasn't responding to faith or a request. He simply saw her grief, and 'his heart went out to her'—the Greek word suggests His gut was wrenched with compassion. He touched the funeral bier (making Himself ritually unclean), spoke to the dead young man, and restored him to life.
Jesus gave the son back to his mother. He restored not just a life but a family, a future, a hope.
A Mother Gets Her Son Back
Kids Version
Jesus and His disciples were walking toward a town called Nain. As they got close to the gate, they saw a sad sight.
A funeral procession was coming out. People were carrying a young man who had died. His poor mother was crying and crying.
This mother had already lost her husband. Now her only son was dead too. She was all alone with no one to take care of her. It was the saddest thing.
When Jesus saw her, His heart broke for her. He felt her pain so deeply.
'Don't cry,' Jesus said gently.
Then Jesus did something surprising. He walked up and touched the stretcher carrying the dead young man. Everyone stopped.
Jesus spoke: 'Young man, I say to you—GET UP!'
And the young man SAT UP! He started talking! He was ALIVE!
Jesus took him by the hand and gave him back to his mother.
Can you imagine how happy she was? Her son was alive! She wasn't alone anymore!
Everyone was amazed and a little scared. 'A great prophet is here!' they said. 'God has come to help His people!'
No one asked Jesus to do this miracle. He just saw a sad mom and felt compassion. He couldn't walk past her pain without doing something.
That's how much Jesus cares. He sees our sadness, and His heart hurts with us. And He has the power to do something about it!
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Scripture — Luke 7:11-17 (KJV)
11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.
12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold , there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. bier: or, coffin
15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.
17And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Memory Verse
“And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.”
— Luke 7:11 (KJV)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of “Jesus Raises the Widow's Son” in the Bible?
Jesus encounters a funeral procession and raises a widow's only son from the dead, giving him back to his mother. This story is found in Luke 7:11-17.
Where is “Jesus Raises the Widow's Son” found in the Bible?
“Jesus Raises the Widow's Son” is found in Luke 7:11-17, in the book of Luke.
What can children learn from “Jesus Raises the Widow's Son”?
This story teaches children about Compassion, Jesus' power over death, Caring for widows. A widow's only son had died. When Jesus saw her crying, He felt so sad for her. He touched the coffin and said, 'Young man, get up!' And he did!