In the first narrative, Luke 7:11-17, we see the compassion of the Lord for a widow who had lost her only son. This is a most powerful and intriguing scene.

• Powerful, because it shows the ability of the Lord to command life.

• Intriguing, because (as recorded in the Bible) He only raised two other people from the dead.

• WHO WERE THEY? Luke 8:49-56 _____________________ John 11:43,44 _______________________

Picture this:

Jesus starts to go through the gate of the city of Nain. He’s there with His disciples and a large crowd. Suddenly, the way is blocked by a large crowd of mourners. They are weeping as they follow a funeral procession. Jesus immediately perceives that a widow has lost her only son, who, probably, was her only means of support. Compassion compels Him to do something. He stops the procession, speaks peace to the widow and restores life to her son.

In just 7 verses, the Bible describes one of the most profoundly moving and emotionally scenes in all of scripture. Such a brief description disguises the powerful forces at work.

• Death – Sorrow - Hopelessness
• Compassion – Life - Joy

How do you feel when you see the sorrow of someone who has lost a loved one to death? Often, you will struggle to find the right words to say to express your feelings. It is not unusual to feel inadequate because you are, after all, human. You cannot bring the dead to life! But, there are several ways you can be helpful and encouraging.

Like the Lord you can ---

• Show compassion.
• Be kind.
• Provide spiritual strength.
• Speak words of hope and assurance.

Consider what the Apostle Paul wrote in 1^st Thessalonians 4:13-18 and write a brief "reminder" which you can use for those times when you need to help a sorrowing friend or family member.

In the second narrative, Luke 7:36 -50, the scene is quite different. Here, a sinful women (probably a prostitute) came to the house where Jesus was staying. She brought with her a very expensive and fragrant oil. Weeping, she held Jesus by His feet and began to wash His feet with her tears, drying them with her long hair. She than kissed His feet and anointed them with the oil. It is a very emotional scene. The people in the house are literally transfixed by the woman’s action.

It is unlikely that any of them had ever seen such a display of humility and repentance. Apparently, she made no utterance – only her weeping broke the silence.

Thus, the stage is set for a tremendous teaching from the Lord concerning repentance and forgiveness.

• The woman stood behind Jesus ____________ and began to _________ His feet with her _________.
• She dried His feet with her __________ and then _____________________ them with the precious oil.
• Simon, the Pharisee, grumbling to himself said, "She is a ________________."
• Jesus told Simon of the creditor who forgave two men. One owed a small debt. The other owed a large debt.. He posed this question: "Which of the debtors will _________ him the most?"
• Simon’s answer: "He, to whom he ______________ most."
• Jesus rebuked Simon for providing no ______________for Him to wash His feet.
• Jesus reminded Simon that he had given no __________ of greeting.
• Jesus said to the woman, "Thy _________ are forgiven."

We can be very judgmental of those who come to Jesus, setting ourselves up as some sort of an examining board. Several truths are represented in this narrative. List those you see.

1. Everyone is welcome at Jesus feet.

2. Critical people are always present to question motives and actions.

3. Jesus sees the lost soul crying out for help.

4. Jesus forgives regardless of what others think.

1. One should not allow anybody to discourage them from approaching Jesus.

What are the two great needs of the human heart?