Luke 7:1-16

Introduction: Have you ever felt miserable? What about when you don’t feel good? How about when you get bad news, or feel disappointed by some things you cannot control. How can you get back your encouragement? Where do you turn for help? Where does real strength come from?

Life has its disappointments! But Jesus is there – ready, willing, and able to strengthen your faith when it gets low! The physician, Luke, writes a narrative that unfolded between a brokenhearted mother who lost her son and a compassionate Savior who brought life to the dead. 

1. Life has a way of leading us in a “PROCESSION of MISERY”! (Luke 7:11, 12)

“11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.”

{Praise the Lord for friends during a crisis, but nothing substitutes the comforting words and loving touch from Jesus Christ!}

2. JESUS always leads us in a “PROCESSION of MAJESTY”! (Luke 7:13)

“13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.”

{I love the words to the song…”No one ever cared for me like Jesus”}

{Since Jesus really does care for us as Peter reminds his readers, we can…. “Cast all our care upon Him” (1Pet 5:7)}

Will you do it now?

Why not STOP 🛑? Tell Jesus your hurts and concerns. Is a loved one on your heart? Are you grieving over a wayward child? Do you have health concerns? Does it seem like you are sinking in despair? Is your job stressing you out? Are you frustrated because of the injustice that is taking place? Have you developed a bad attitude? Do you feel resentful toward someone?

3. When MISERY meets MAJESTY there’s “VICTORY”! (Luke 7:14-16)

“14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.”

{When Jesus SHOWS up He SHOWS out!}

{The dark clouds of doubt vanish when the bright light of TRUTH arrives!}

Don’t let Jesus pass you by. When He passes by, reach out your hand of faith. Take a hold of His promises and power.

Conclusion: Right now, you may be carrying a heavy burden. It may be a burden of guilt because of unconfessed sin. It may be a burden of sorrow and pain. It may be a burden of depression and discouragement. Regardless of what your burden is, know this…..Jesus cares for you. He will lighten the load if you let Him. After all, He knows our name and He built our frame.

Will you call upon Him right now? Will you trust Him to carry you through this difficult time? When we do, we discover,

“Misery will meet Majesty” and the result will be “Victory”!