God Looks Favorably, a Reflection on Luke 7:11-15

Allen & Williamson in Preaching the Gospels list many scriptures that underlie the Jewish tradition of providing for widows and others on the margins of life:

Leviticus 22:13; Deuteronomy 10:18; 14:29; 24:17-22; 25:5-10; 26:12; 27:19; Psalm 68:5; 94:1-7; 146;7; Isaiah 1:16-17, 21025; 10:2; Jeremiah 49:1

They also remind us that Elijah in 1 Kings 17:8-24 and Elisha in 2 Kings 4:18-3 compassionately raise the sons of widows.

Jesus continues this tradition. He restores a widow's son.Allen & Williamson read this passage as indicating that the members of the church are also supposed to care for widows and others on the margin.

Through the church, God can continue to look favorably on the people. Through the church, those who need sustenance and support can receive it.

Read some of the passages that A&W have suggested. For example, "You shall love the aliens and provide food and clothing for them."  And, "Set aside some of your earnings to feed aliens, orphans, and widows." Over and over, we are told what to do, and over and over, we often act as if what we have worked for is ours to keep solely for ourselves.