The Heart of the Healer: Reflections on Luke 7:11-17

June 02, 2013 by Alyce McKenzie

Continued from Page 1

Jeffrey John, author of The Meaning in the Miracles, says, "It is an act of sheer grace occasioned by Jesus' compassion for her. The widow of Zarephath praises Elijah with these words: 'Now I know that you are a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is true.' The townspeople of Nain hail Jesus as 'a great prophet who has arisen among us!' 'God has looked favorably upon his people.' Luke wants it clear that something greater than a prophet is here" (John, 217). So God is at work in the compassion of Jesus, the power he has to heal, and the impact of that healing on the faith of bystanders/observers.

The story tells us that, when Jesus approached his funeral bier, touched it, and commanded him to rise, "The man sat up and began to speak." Don't you wonder what he said? Maybe . . .

"Who are you?" "A healer with a heart full of compassion. A healer with the power to raise death to life."

"What happened?" "God raised you through God's work in me."

"Now what? "Enter into your daily life again, aware of your calling to bring new life and hope to all you meet as my power is at work in you."

Sources Consulted

Jeffrey John, The Meaning in the Miracles (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001)

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About Alyce McKenzie

Alyce M. McKenzie is the George W. and Nell Ayers Le Van Professor of Preaching and Worship at Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University.

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