Article February 11, 1928 Issue

Reversing Error

ERIC W. CARR

In Luke's Gospel it is recorded that Jesus once "went into a city called Nain." Now Nain was a small town situated only a few miles from Nazareth, where Jesus was brought up and spent his early manhood; so it may be gathered that Jesus knew the place well, and in all probability had friends and acquaintances there. On the day before this visit Jesus had done a wonderful work at Capernaum: he had healed the servant of a centurion much beloved by the Jews, for he had built them a synagogue.

The result of this healing was that when Jesus went to Nain, he was followed not only by his own disciples, but by a multitude of people. On approaching the gateway of Nain, this large concourse with Jesus at the head was met by a procession coming in the opposite direction. This procession proved to be a funeral party coming out of the city and following the bier of a young man, the only son of a sorrowing mother.

It was the custom among the Jews at that time for anyone who met a funeral party to join the procession and accompany it to the graveside. To do this was looked upon as a sign of respect to the dead. It would be expected of Jesus, perhaps, and of all who were with him, that they should turn and follow this sad party to the burial place. But our Master had no intention of so doing. Instead, his compassionate look went straight to the one who was suffering most, the mother of the young man; and he said to her, "Weep not." Then turning to the bier he bade the young man arise. "And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother." No wonder those who stood around glorified God! Within a few moments Jesus had reversed the whole situation, the sad occasion, the mournful procession, the grief of the mother; and one can imagine with what joy that erstwhile sad party must have turned back and accompanied Jesus and his followers. In this beautiful story of one of our Master's great works we find a profound lesson, helpful to Christian Scientists in their daily experience.

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