The answer is: The widow's son

Luke 7:13-15

The story of the widow's son in Luke 7:13-15 is both remarkable and deeply moving. Picture this: Jesus arrives in the town of Nain just as a funeral procession is passing. A widow's only son—her sole provider—is being laid to rest, and it's heart-wrenching to watch. The backdrop of this narrative speaks volumes, as widows were often left profoundly vulnerable in the ancient world, making this loss particularly tragic.

What’s noteworthy here is that Jesus didn’t just perform a miracle for any random soul; he chose to bring back someone who represented such loss and despair. His compassion is apparent—he sees the widow's sorrow and is moved to deeply connect with her. In an incredible act of tenderness, Jesus tells her, “Do not weep,” before bringing her son back to life. Can you imagine the joy?? News of this miraculous resurrection would have swept through the townsfolk like wildfire!

This event marks more than just a single resurrection; it serves as a precursor to the broader themes throughout the New Testament. Especially interesting is how resonant this story is with the Old Testament, as Elijah's similar miracle with the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24) foreshadows later acts of compassion and power displayed by Jesus.

Thinking about the impact this event would have had on the community emphasizing themes of hope, healing, and renewal global—imagining lives transformed through small acts of mercy. The first resurrection by Jesus encapsulates so much of his mission: restoring life not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It's a beautiful reminder of the potential for hope even in the darkest of times!