some sign that he
was getting better. Tenderly she nursed him, but in spite of all her
loving care he grew worse. Then one day he died.
Now the widow was alone. Both her husband and her son were dead and she was very sad and lonely.
Neighbors and friends came to weep with her and plan for the funeral. They wrapped long strips of linen cloth around the lifeless
body and placed it on a frame called a bier.
The funeral procession started. In front were the men carrying the bier. Many people followed. The mourners wept aloud as they
slowly walked toward the burial place. Suddenly the funeral procession stopped outside the gate. Everyone wondered what had
happened. Then they saw a great crowd coming toward them. Walking in front of the crowd were Jesus and his twelve disciples.
When Jesus saw the widow's great sorrow, he wanted very much to help her. He knew the deep ache and loneliness that filled her
heart. "Do not weep," he said kindly. Then going over to the bier he said, "Young man, I tell you to arise!"
The young man who had been dead sat up. He began to talk. In speechless surprise those who looked on unwrapped the long linen
strips from the young man's body. Then Jesus took him to his mother.
At once the cries stopped and a great silence fell over the people. They could hardly believe their own eyes. Soon they were sure
that Jesus had raised the young man to life again. How they rejoiced! "A great prophet is come among us!" they exclaimed. Others cried,
"Surely God has visited his people!"
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