Weep Not

WEEP NOT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 7:11-15

"And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not." – Luke 7:13

Supporting Texts:

Psalm 30:5, Isaiah 61:3, John 11:35-44, Revelation 21:4

INTRODUCTION

Life is full of challenges that can bring sorrow, pain, and despair. Many times, we find ourselves overwhelmed by situations that seem beyond our control—whether it be the loss of a loved one, financial hardship, sickness, or emotional pain. In such moments, tears become our language, and we feel helpless. However, in the story of the widow of Nain, Jesus demonstrated that no situation is beyond His power. He spoke just two words, "Weep not," and changed the course of her life forever.

The widow of Nain had lost her only son, and as a widow, this meant not just emotional grief but also social and financial distress. In those days, women depended on their husbands and sons for survival. With no husband and now no son, she was in a desperate situation. She was on her way to bury her last hope when Jesus met her at the gate of the city. In His compassion, He stopped the funeral procession, touched the bier, and commanded the young man to arise. What was meant to be a burial turned into a celebration of resurrection.

This powerful encounter reveals that Jesus is the giver of life and the restorer of joy. He understands our deepest sorrows, and He is always moved by compassion to intervene in our lives. No matter what you are going through today, Jesus is saying to you, "Weep not." He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Just as He wiped away the widow’s tears, He can wipe away yours and turn your mourning into dancing.

1. JESUS SEES YOUR TEARS

a) Jesus is always aware of your struggles (Psalm 56:8)

God collects our tears in His bottle; He does not ignore our pain.

b) He sees what others cannot see (1 Samuel 1:10-11)

While others saw a funeral, Jesus saw an opportunity for restoration.

c) His compassion moves Him to act (Lamentations 3:22-23)

God's mercy is renewed every morning, and His compassion never fails.

d) Weeping is temporary, but joy is coming (Psalm 30:5)

Though sorrow may last for a night, joy comes in the morning.

e) Biblical Example: Hagar (Genesis 21:16-19)

She wept in the wilderness, but God saw her and provided water for her son.

2. JESUS INTERRUPTS YOUR PAIN WITH HIS POWER

a) Jesus stopped the funeral procession (Luke 7:14)

He stepped in at the right time to change the story.

b) No situation is too far gone for Jesus (Ezekiel 37:3-6)

Even dry bones can come back to life at His word.

c) He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)

Whatever seems dead in your life can live again through Him.

d) His power overrides every natural law (Jeremiah 32:27)

Nothing is too hard for God, and no situation is beyond His reach.

e) Biblical Example: The Shunammite Woman (2 Kings 4:32-35)

When her son died, she refused to accept defeat, and Elisha, by God's power, raised him back to life.

3. JESUS SPEAKS LIFE INTO YOUR DEAD SITUATION

a) His word carries authority over death (John 11:43)

When He speaks, the dead must respond.

b) One word from Jesus changes everything (Psalm 107:20)

He sent His word, and healing and restoration followed.

c) His voice silences hopelessness (Mark 5:39-42)

He told Jairus’ household not to weep because the girl was only sleeping, and He restored her.

d) No matter how long you’ve been in pain, He can restore you (Joel 2:25)

The years lost can be restored by His power.

e) Biblical Example: Lazarus (John 11:35-44)

Jesus called him out of the grave, proving that His word is life.

4. JESUS RESTORES JOY BEYOND EXPECTATION

a) The widow's sorrow turned into joy (Luke 7:15)

She received what she thought was gone forever.

b) God never restores halfway; He restores fully (Job 42:10)

Job received double for all his losses.

c) His joy is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10)

When Jesus steps in, sadness must flee.

d) What the enemy meant for evil, God turns for good (Genesis 50:20)

Every disappointment is an opportunity for God’s appointment.

e) Biblical Example: Naomi (Ruth 4:13-17)

She thought her life was over, but God gave her a new beginning through Obed.

CONCLUSION

The story of the widow of Nain is a reminder that no situation is beyond the reach of Jesus. Just when all hope seems lost, He steps in with His power and turns things around. His words, "Weep not," are not empty consolation but a divine declaration that changes destinies. If He could raise a dead son, He can raise every dead situation in your life—be it a dream, a relationship, a career, or health.