Luke 7:11-17
Is God Really All-Powerful?
As children, many of us heard the riddle: Can God make a rock so big He can’t lift it? It tugs at the idea of omnipotence—God’s unlimited power. But more than what this riddle can provoke is a deeper tension we all feel: If God is good and all-powerful, why does suffering exist?
Luke takes us to a town called Nain—“pleasant” and “beautiful”—where something devastating is unfolding. A widow is burying her only son. In that culture, this meant utter destitution. Into this scene of irreversible loss steps Jesus.
Where do you most feel the tension between God’s power and the pain of the world?
How have you personally wrestled with the question, “If God can, why doesn’t He?”
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37
Power That Moves Toward Us
Jesus doesn’t keep His distance. He sees the widow. He is moved with compassion. He touches the coffin. And then He does what no athlete, army, billionaire, or ruler can do—He raises the dead.
This isn’t a display of power for spectacle. It is power in service of mercy. God’s omnipotence is not cold or abstract; it is personal and purposeful. And unlike us, God is never diminished by exerting power. He does not grow weary. His strength flows from who He is.
What stands out most to you about how Jesus responds to this woman’s grief?
How does it change your view of God to see His power paired with compassion?
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love.” — Psalm 103:8
Resurrection Power for Us
Two of God’s greatest displays of power are creation and resurrection. He speaks and life comes from nothing. He speaks again and death is undone. In Luke 7, Jesus gives us a preview of what His own resurrection would confirm forever: God’s power is for us.
Death is the final enemy—the ultimate reminder of our weakness. Yet Jesus stands before it and commands, “Young man, I tell you, get up.” And he does.
The gospel tells us that the same God who raises the dead has made us His children. We are not alone. We belong to the omnipotent Lord.
Where might God be inviting you to take a faithful risk, trusting His power?
Do you live like a child of the all-powerful God—or like you’re on your own?
“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength.” — Isaiah 40:29