The word “power” can describe any number of things, like physical strength, political influence, military might, mechanical energy, and various natural phenomena. But there is an ultimate power that transcends them all, emanating from heaven and wondrously displayed on earth. As Jesus went about doing good throughout his earthly mission, he routinely exhibited power over sin (Luke 4:13; 5:20), demonic forces (Luke 4:41; 6:18), nature (Luke 5:4-9; 8:24), sickness (Luke 4:38-40; 6:19), and disability (Luke 5:18-25; 7:22). Early in his Galilean ministry, in an episode recounted only in Luke’s Gospel, he manifested power over death.
He Went to a Town Called Nain
Following the healing of a centurion’s servant at Capernaum, Jesus directly headed south. “And it happened afterwards, he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd were traveling with him” (Luke 7:11). [All Scripture references are the author’s own translation unless otherwise noted.] Textual variation of a single letter in the Greek text raises the question of whether this was “soon afterward” (ESV) or “the day after” (NKJV). Either way, we get the impression he was in somewhat of a hurry.
A distance of approximately 32 miles (52 km) separated the fishing village of Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, from the small farming village of Nain in Lower Galilee. It was about six miles (9.5 km) southeast of Nazareth at the base of the Hill of Moreh. Today, with modern roads and motorized vehicles, the trip from Capernaum to Nain would take about an hour. The average person in the first century would have needed a couple of days to make the journey by foot, especially considering the terrain. Capernaum is about 682 feet (208 m) below sea level, whereas Nain is around 700 feet (213 m) above sea level, an arduous, uphill climb.
Even though the abrupt expedition was not an easy excursion, Jesus was accompanied by “his disciples and a large crowd.” Their commitment to Christ and eagerness to be with him and learn from him is evident. The obscure village, mentioned nowhere else in scripture, was out of the way, off the beaten path. One did not simply pass through Nain or end up there unintentionally. It was not a densely populated, bustling metropolis or strategic location for a major soul-winning campaign. It was, however, the home of a person in need. Jesus appears to have made a special trip to this unremarkable place to do a remarkable thing for an otherwise unnoticed, disadvantaged soul.
Already in the account we get an informative glimpse of true discipleship. Do we stay close to the Lord when life’s journey is inconvenient and hard? Will we follow his lead to go out of our way to help someone in need?
--Kevin L. Moore
*Originally appearing as “Jesus and Power (Luke 7:11-17)” in the 2022 FHU Lectureship Book.
Related Posts: Miracle at Nain (Part 2), Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
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