Luke 7:14 – “Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, get up!'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, Jesus performs an extraordinary act that will leave the crowd in awe. He approaches the funeral procession and does something unexpected—He touches the bier (a platform or open coffin used to carry the body). According to Jewish customs, touching anything associated with death would have made a person ceremonially unclean. But Jesus isn’t concerned about that because He has the power to overcome death itself.
After touching the bier, He speaks directly to the dead young man, commanding him to “get up.” Jesus doesn’t perform a ritual or say a long prayer. He speaks with authority, and His words bring life where there was death. This act demonstrates that Jesus has the power to give life simply by His word.
Historical Context
In Jewish culture, death was associated with ritual impurity (Numbers 19:11-13). Touching a dead body or anything associated with death would have made a person ceremonially unclean, requiring them to go through a purification process before rejoining the community. Because of this, people usually avoided touching coffins or funeral biers. The fact that Jesus touches the bier shows His willingness to cross social and religious boundaries to bring life and restoration.
Funeral processions in that time were typically public events with mourners, family, and community members following the body to the burial site. This scene would have been filled with grief and sorrow, but Jesus’ action stops the entire procession. When the bearers of the bier stand still, it’s as though time itself pauses, making way for a miraculous event that will change everything.
Theological Implications
This verse reveals Jesus’ authority over death, showing that He is not limited by the natural laws of life and death that govern human experience. When He commands the young man to get up, He demonstrates His power as the giver of life. This event points to a greater theological truth: Jesus is the One who can restore both physical and spiritual life. His power over death foreshadows His resurrection and the eternal life He offers to all who believe in Him (John 11:25).
Jesus’ willingness to touch the bier also illustrates the Gospel message—that He enters into our brokenness and impurity to bring healing and new life. He doesn’t avoid us because of our sin or brokenness. Instead, He willingly touches what is unclean and restores it.
Literary Analysis
Luke uses vivid details to create a dramatic and powerful scene. The description of Jesus touching the bier and the bearers standing still builds suspense, highlighting the significance of what is about to happen. Luke doesn’t record a long dialogue or explanation from Jesus. Instead, he emphasizes the power of Jesus’ spoken word. With just a few words—“Young man, I say to you, get up!”—Jesus reverses the reality of death.
This passage is also part of a broader narrative in Luke’s Gospel that emphasizes Jesus’ authority. Earlier, Jesus demonstrated His power over sickness (Luke 7:1-10) and now, He demonstrates His authority over death itself. Luke carefully builds this progression to reveal that Jesus is more than a teacher or prophet—He is the Lord of life.
Biblical Cross-References
- 1 Kings 17:21-22 – Elijah prays to God and raises a widow’s son from the dead, showing that God has power over life and death.
- 2 Kings 4:32-35 – Elisha raises the Shunammite woman’s son, foreshadowing Jesus’ power to bring the dead back to life.
- John 11:43 – Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead by calling him out of the tomb with a command.
- Matthew 9:24-25 – Jesus raises a dead girl by taking her hand and telling her to get up.
- Revelation 1:18 – Jesus declares that He holds the keys of death and Hades.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus brings life where there is death and hope where there is despair. When we face situations that seem dead—whether it’s a broken relationship, a spiritual struggle, or a loss of purpose—Jesus has the power to restore what is broken. His word is enough to breathe life into the dead areas of our lives.
It also reminds believers to trust in Jesus’ authority. Just as He commanded the young man to get up, Jesus commands us to rise from the deadness of sin and walk in new life (Ephesians 2:4-5). His power isn’t limited to physical resurrection—He offers spiritual renewal and eternal life to those who put their faith in Him.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is displayed in Jesus’ willingness to enter into a situation of grief and death and bring restoration. He doesn’t wait for people to come to Him with perfect faith or a spotless life. He meets them in their pain, just as He met the grieving widow. His love is proactive, seeking out those who are lost, broken, or in need of hope.
The fact that Jesus touches the bier, knowing it would make Him ceremonially unclean, shows the depth of His love. He is willing to take on the impurity and brokenness of the world to bring healing and life. This foreshadows His ultimate act of love on the cross, where He takes on the sin of the world to bring salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse reveals Jesus as the One who has authority over life and death. His ability to raise the dead with a simple command demonstrates that He is not just a man but the Son of God with power over all creation. This miracle foreshadows His own resurrection and the eternal life He offers to those who believe in Him (John 11:25).
Jesus’ command, “Young man, I say to you, get up,” is a preview of the final resurrection, when all who are in Christ will be raised to new life (1 Corinthians 15:52-54). His power over death is central to the Christian faith because it is through His resurrection that believers have the hope of eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Are there areas in your life where you need Jesus to bring restoration and life? How can you invite Him into those situations?
- How does Jesus’ authority over death give you confidence in facing challenges or difficult situations?
- What does this verse teach you about the power of Jesus’ word? How can you apply that truth to your daily life?
- How can Jesus’ willingness to touch what is “unclean” encourage you to bring your brokenness to Him without fear of rejection?
- How does this story of Jesus raising the widow’s son foreshadow the hope of resurrection for all who believe in Him?
Luke 7:14 is a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ compassion and authority. His words bring life where there was death, and His touch restores what was broken. Just as He gave the widow her son back, He offers new life to all who come to Him in faith.