After delivering his great Sermon on the Mount, Jesus the Messiah and his disciples return to Capernaum. The next day, as Luke reports, they head for the village of Nain. The reasons for this journey of about a day’s walk remain unknown.
Did Matthew mention this event here to anticipate the question from John the Baptist’s disciples? We do not have enough information to determine this.
Luke indicates that the journey to the village of Nain takes place the following day, suggesting that this happens the day after the healing of the servant of this officer in Capernaum. Jesus the Messiah is followed by a large crowd of disciples, supporters and curious onlookers, as Luke mentions.
This village lies about 40 km southwest of Capernaum, towards Nazareth. We do not know why the Master chose to go to .
This resurrection takes place late in the afternoon when the procession reaches the village entrance. No archaeological evidence shows walls around this village, so ‘the town gate’ simply refers to the entrance, probably marked by a small structure.
The multitude accompanying him consisted mainly of disciples and apostles. This unusual influx brought a certain liveliness to this peaceful village.
The resurrection of this child highlights the greatness of Jesus the Messiah’s power, even though this was not his primary intention. In fact, Jesus the Messiah’s main mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God. The inhabitants of were astonished by this wonder and probably welcomed the multitude kindly.
Was Jesus the Messiah aware that he had to go to this village to raise this child? The apostle John records another event, mentioning that he had to pass through Samaria (PER046; John 4.4), suggesting that the Master was following divine guidance from the Holy Spirit rather than taking a chance route.
Luke observes the villagers’ reactions and their words, marked by amazement and elation: ‘A great prophet has appeared among us’ and ‘God has visited his people.’ They attribute this miracle to God and do not glorify the man. Luke tells us that they were giving glory to God.
This incredible news will spread quickly throughout the region and, surprisingly, also in Judea, suggesting a connection between this Galilean village and the neighbouring province of Judea.
The story of this young man’s resurrection precedes the answer the Master will soon give to John the Baptist’s disciples. This meeting will take place in the town of Capernaum (PER048), indicating that Jesus the Messiah probably preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven in the region before returning to his home base, Capernaum.