Jesus commanded the dead man: 'Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.' The Greek 'egerthēti' (ἐγέρθητι, be raised, passive imperative) is the same word used for resurrection. Jesus spoke with authority over death itself—His word raised the dead. The dead man 'sat up, and began to speak,' confirming genuine resurrection, not resuscitation of someone nearly dead. Jesus 'delivered him to his mother,' showing concern for relationship restoration, not merely performing a miracle. This demonstrates Jesus' authority over death and His compassion for human grief.
Historical Context
This is the first of three resurrection miracles in Luke's gospel (also Jairus' daughter, Luke 8:49-56; and implied Lazarus, referenced in John 11). Old Testament prophets performed resurrections (1 Kings 17:17-24, 2 Kings 4:32-37, 2 Kings 13:21), but Jesus' simple command—no elaborate ritual, no prayer, just authoritative word—demonstrated superior power. The crowd's response ('A great prophet is risen among us; God hath visited his people,' v. 16) recognized this miracle's significance. Resurrection power validated Jesus' messianic claims and foreshadowed His own resurrection, the ultimate defeat of death.
Questions for Reflection
What does Jesus' simple command raising the dead reveal about His divine authority over death itself?
How do Jesus' resurrection miracles foreshadow His own resurrection and ultimate victory over death?
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus commanded the dead man: 'Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.' The Greek 'egerthēti' (ἐγέρθητι, be raised, passive imperative) is the same word used for resurrection. Jesus spoke with authority over death itself—His word raised the dead. The dead man 'sat up, and began to speak,' confirming genuine resurrection, not resuscitation of someone nearly dead. Jesus 'delivered him to his mother,' showing concern for relationship restoration, not merely performing a miracle. This demonstrates Jesus' authority over death and His compassion for human grief.