Widow Of Nain
Enoch begins his sermon by highlighting Jesus's compassion for a widow in Nain who lost her only son. He contrasts the helplessness of the crowd's sympathy with Jesus's power to resurrect the young man, emphasizing that Jesus offers real solutions and surpasses human understanding.
Enoch then delves into reasons why people fail to cooperate with Jesus. He attributes this to forgetting Jesus's divinity and limiting his power, using Peter's fishing experience as an example. He stresses the importance of acknowledging Jesus's authority and trusting in his ways, which are higher than human understanding.
He further emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God, drawing from Hosea 6:6, stating that God desires genuine relationship over empty rituals. Enoch encourages us to go beyond superficial knowledge of God and seek a deeper, experiential understanding of him.
Using the parable of the Prodigal Son, Enoch highlights the vastness of God's mercy and love, comparing it to a father's boundless joy at his son's return. He reminds listeners that God's grace is limitless and that he desires to restore and bless his children abundantly.
Enoch concludes by reiterating that God cares for everyone, regardless of their status or circumstances. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's love, remembering that God's plans are far greater than human comprehension.
Outline of Main Points
Jesus's Compassion and Power (Luke 7:11-17)
The widow's loss and the crowd's helplessness
Jesus's compassion and power over death
Jesus's actions surpass human understanding
Reasons for Lack of Cooperation with Jesus
Forgetting Jesus's divinity and limiting his power
Example: Peter's fishing experience (Luke 5)
Need to acknowledge Jesus's authority and trust his ways
The Importance of a Personal Relationship with God
God desires genuine relationship over empty rituals (Hosea 6:6)
Moving from superficial knowledge to experiential knowledge
The Boundless Love and Mercy of God
Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
God's joy at our return and desire for restoration
God's grace is limitless and his plans are far greater than ours
Conclusion
God cares for everyone and considers no suffering insignificant
Trust in God's love and his working behind the scenes
Remember God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours
11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people. 17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
