For the past month, throughout advent, we’ve been looking at the people who were expecting Jesus. In the town of Nain there was a person who wasn’t expecting him at all.  But her lack of expectation didn’t stop Jesus from helping.

Jesus and his disciples and a crowd were walking toward town. A funeral procession was coming out of town at the same time. The body of a boy was being carried out, the only son of a widow.

This woman was doubly bereaved. All support was gone. She was going to be at the mercy of others. But at that moment, Jesus showed up.

His heart went out to her.

The boy was given life back, the woman was given hope. And Jesus showed unexpected, unrequested, unbelievable grace.

But then again, that’s what grace is about.

(From Luke 7:11-17)