When Death Meets the Lord of Life
1. Discussion Questions
In the story of the widow of Nain, two processions meet: one of death, one of life. Where do you see these two “processions” colliding in our world today?
How does Jesus’ compassion toward the widow show us His heart for those who grieve?
Why is it significant that Jesus touches the bier (something considered unclean)? What does this reveal about His power?
How is Jesus’ raising of the widow’s son a “preview” of His own resurrection?
How does the hope of resurrection shape the way we grieve, live, and face the future?
What does it mean for you personally that “death loses, life wins, hope lives forever”?
2. Daily Devotions for Adults (Mon–Sat)
Monday – The Pain of Death
Read: Luke 7:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1–2
Reflection: Death is real, painful, and unavoidable. Like the widow, we face deep grief. Yet our grief is not hidden from God.
Prayer: Lord, help me bring my sorrows honestly before You and trust that You see my pain.
Tuesday – The Compassion of Jesus
Read: Luke 7:13; Psalm 34:18
Reflection: Jesus doesn’t just see crowds—He sees individuals. He sees you. His heart is moved with compassion in your suffering.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that You notice me, care for me, and never leave me unseen.
Wednesday – The Power of His Word
Read: Luke 7:14–15; John 11:43–44
Reflection: Jesus’ word brings life where there is death. His authority reaches into the grave and calls forth hope.
Prayer: Speak Your word of life over my heart today, Lord. Revive my faith and fill me with Your Spirit.
Thursday – The Preview of Resurrection
Read: Luke 7:16; 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
Reflection: The raising at Nain points forward to Easter. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees ours. Death will not have the final word.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that in Christ, death is defeated and resurrection is sure.
Friday – Living Without Fear
Read: Romans 8:38–39; Hebrews 2:14–15
Reflection: If death is conquered, nothing can separate us from Christ. That truth gives courage to face the future.
Prayer: Father, strengthen me to live boldly for You, unafraid of tomorrow.
Saturday – Sharing the Hope
Read: Luke 7:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Reflection: News of Jesus spread through the region. Today, we carry the same hope: death loses, life wins.
Prayer: Lord, make me a witness of Your life-giving power to those still walking in despair.
3. Daily Devotions for Children (Mon–Sat, with activities)
Monday – Jesus Meets Sadness
Read: Luke 7:12
Big Idea: Jesus knows when we are sad, just like He knew the widow was sad.
Activity: Draw a sad face and a happy face. Talk about how Jesus can turn our sadness into joy.
Tuesday – Jesus Cares for Me
Read: Luke 7:13
Big Idea: Jesus sees me and cares about my feelings.
Activity: Write or draw one thing that makes you sad. Then write “Jesus cares” next to it.
Wednesday – Jesus’ Powerful Words
Read: Luke 7:14–15
Big Idea: Jesus speaks, and even death listens!
Activity: Whisper “Jesus loves me” and then shout it. Talk about how Jesus’ words are even more powerful.
Thursday – Jesus is Alive Forever
Read: Luke 24:6
Big Idea: Jesus rose from the dead, and He gives us forever life too!
Activity: Plant a seed in soil. Talk about how something that looks dead can grow into life.
Friday – I Don’t Have to Be Afraid
Read: Psalm 23:4
Big Idea: Jesus is with me, so I don’t have to fear anything.
Activity: Draw a big heart. Inside, write “Jesus is with me.”
Saturday – Sharing Good News
Read: Luke 7:17
Big Idea: When people heard what Jesus did, they told others. We can too!
Activity: Call or tell a friend one thing you love about Jesus.
4. Daily Devotions for Youth (Mon–Sat)
Monday – Facing Reality
Read: Luke 7:12; James 4:14
Reflection: Life is short and fragile. Death is real—but that makes Jesus’ life-giving power even more amazing.
Challenge: Journal about how knowing life is shortchanges the way you want to live today.
Tuesday – Jesus Notices You
Read: Luke 7:13; Psalm 139:1–4
Reflection: Jesus sees you. Not just the crowd, not just the world—He knows your struggles.
Challenge: Spend 5 minutes in silence, letting yourself be seen by God.
Wednesday – Power in His Word
Read: Luke 7:14–15; John 6:68
Reflection: Jesus’ words are more powerful than any influencer, celebrity, or leader. His word brings life.
Challenge: Memorize one verse this week and speak it over your life when you feel discouraged.
Thursday – Resurrection Hope
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:20–22
Reflection: Jesus’ resurrection changes everything. Death isn’t the end.
Challenge: Share with a friend what gives you hope in hard times.
Friday – Courage in Christ
Read: Romans 8:38–39
Reflection: If nothing can separate you from Jesus, you can live without fear.
Challenge: Do one bold act of faith today—pray for someone, invite a friend to church, or share a Scripture online.
Saturday – Be a Hope Carrier
Read: Luke 7:17; Matthew 28:19–20
Reflection: Just like the news of Jesus spread in Nain, we are called to spread hope.
Challenge: Text or DM someone one encouraging truth about Jesus today.