We live in a world where people believe in many other gods and religions with each religion claiming to be the truth, yet somehow inclusive. In contrast, Jesus said he was the truth and there was no other way to the Father except through him. In today’s text, with those present at the funeral service of a widow’s only son, we witness Jesus stopping death in its track by raising up the dead son back to life. Jesus shows love and wisdom in caring for the widow by restoring her only son to her. In the bigger picture, Jesus is sovereignly providential. Jesus helps.
Webster Dictionary 1828 defines providence as “Effected by the providence of God; referable to divine providence; proceeding from divine direction or superintendence; as the providential contrivance of things; a providential escape from danger.” How much are we indebted to God’s unceasing providential care!
After leaving Capernaum, Jesus, his disciples and the large crowd went to the city called Nain soon afterward (v 11). This city was small and insignificant – about 26 miles from Capernaum. Through divine providence, Jesus intentionally headed towards Nain as he planned to meet the widow and the recently deceased son. Jesus is the only one that is able to provide the very thing the widow needed – the power to raise the dead. He cared for her need and had compassion for her. Jesus knew this because he continuously works and prays for others (Ro. 8:34). He also provides every good thing and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17). In other words, Jesus provides every common and special grace. From raising the dead (physical) to our saving sinners (spiritual), God provides through Jesus Christ in his love and care for the lost. And it is God who causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose (Ro. 8:28). God’s providence is perfectly demonstrated on the cross as Jesus provided the perfect sacrifice to be the propitiation for our sins.
Luke describes God’s providence through Jesus’ resurrection power in this text. And it is no small thing that Luke refers to Jesus as Lord (v 13). Jesus is Lord and God. Christ, in his human nature, accomplished perfect obedience, has won salvation for us, and has been given universal dominion as a reward. Luke’s thorough investigation into Jesus’ lordship was based on overwhelming evidence – the raising up of the widow’s dead son being one of many. To believe and be saved, we must believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus is Yahweh. Without Jesus’ providence, we can do nothing (Jn. 15:5).
We must accept Jesus as our objective salvation because he is sovereignly providential in His lordship.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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