Luke 7:11-17 (NRSV)
[11] Soon afterwards (Jesus) went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. [12] As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother's only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. [13] When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep." [14] Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, rise!" [15] The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. [16] Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen among us!" and "God has looked favorably on his people!" [17] This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.
Thought Questions on Lk 7.11-17
What would it mean for this to be a historical / scientific event? To be a metaphorical / literary event? Can the two be reconciled?
What does it mean to be alive? To be dead? For the man? For his mother? For the community? For you?
What did Jesus mean when he said “Do not weep”? (Lk 7.13b)