In Luke’s Gospel is the account of the raising of the widow’s son at Nain. This event is recorded only in the Gospel of Luke. It is remarkable in that it is the very first time recorded in the Gospels that Jesus raised the dead. 

The famous raising of Lazarus occurred near the end of Christ’s ministry. The raising of Jairus’s daughter in Capernaum was in a private room. Only three disciples and the girl’s parents were present.

In contrast, this first raising of the dead recorded in Luke’s Gospel was on a public road in the sight of a great multitude. The location connected the Lord Jesus with the ministry of Elisha as it was very near the same spot as centuries earlier and resulted in the amazement of the people saying, “A great prophet is risen up among us” (Luke 7:16).

The Setting

The geography matters. The statement that the miracle took place at the gate of the village of Nain is of historical significance. This little village is located at the foot of the hill of Moreh. The next village down the road is the village of Shunem. 

The people of the region would have been very familiar with the story of Elisha raising from the dead the son of the Shunammite woman, as recorded in II Kings 4:32–36. If Jesus the carpenter from Nazareth, only a few miles away to the north, could do the same miracle in the same place, then He must be a great prophet like Elijah and Elisha!

The Miracle

As Jesus approached the city gate of Nain, he saw “a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow” (Luke 7:12). The words “only son” is the same expression as used to describe Jesus as the “only begotten.” This young man was his mother’s only support, her only hope for the future, and her only remaining comfort. 

According to the next verse in Luke 7:13, “And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.” Commanding the widow to cease weeping, He reached out His hand and touched the casket. Rabbis of Israel would never do such a thing as it would render them unclean! But Christ has life in His touch, and death could not stand in His divine presence. The Master then said, “Young man, I say unto thee, Arise” (Luke 7:14). Immediately, the once-dead son sat up in the coffin and began to talk! 

The Result

Jesus next “delivered him to his mother” (Luke 7:15). Up to this point, Christ had healed the blind, cleansed a leper, cast out demons, and made the lame to walk. But now He had raised the dead. According to Luke 7:16–17, “And 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. And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.” 

This account would be passed from mouth to mouth and heart to heart. Jesus had the power to restore life! The same spirit of Elisha and Elijah rested upon the Teacher from Nazareth. His subsequent raising of the daughter of Jairus and then again the raising of Lazurus would prove to everyone that He is the Lord of life. His Own glorious resurrection in Jerusalem would give hope and joy to many widows and widowers in the centuries to follow.