 
GREATER-THAN-A-PROPHET
- this chapter’s units: the faith of the Roman officer, the raising of the
widow’s son, the questions of John the Baptist and Jesus’ answer, and the
account of the Pharisee and the harlot portray Jesus as one greater than a
prophet.
DIVINE AUTHORITY -
The story of the resurrection of the widow's son is
significant as it belongs to a series of events in chapter 7 which identify
Jesus as more than a prophet: he forgives sin, he heals and he raises the
dead. The news of these events precede him as he continues his ministry
in the region.
WHY A WIDOW'S SON? - obviously, Jesus was not asked for help; he extended
his ministry toward the widow and her son. In doing so, he does not only
establish himself as more than a prophet, but also demonstrates the heart of
God in that he cares for the poor and those on the margin of society.
The loss of her son was probably escalated the widow's social situation to a
desperate state, not to speak of the emotional trauma.
How can we re-create the effect this miracle had on the original audience?
Obviously, the crowd was awed and realized that they were dealing with more
than a mere prophet or man. Can we make a connection between this
miracle and the more ordinary conversion experience in which people also find
new life in and through Christ?
In preparing for this sermon, you could take different vantage points to
look at the miracle.
Vantage point #1: the widow: how did the widow experience what Jesus
did? She probably had not even prayed for this miracle to happen?
Neither had she sought the help of Jesus. Can a connection be made to
Jesus' words in Matthew 6 that God knows what we need even before we ask?
Vantage point #2: the son of the widow: he was given another chance
at life. How did his life change? How did he view what Jesus had done
for him and how might have given this gift of life new purpose? We should be
able to identify with the son as God's love and grace found us too when we
might have been in a very dark and hopeless place.
Vantage point #3: the crowd: What effect did Jesus' miracle have on
them? Who or what did they think Jesus was? Were they challenged
by Jesus? Did they fear his power? Or did they welcome him as a God-send
healer? What would we have thought, had we been onlookers in the crowd?
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