I am creating a series of art and poems based on the words Jesus spoke to women. This poem is based on the story of Jesus raising the widow’s son from the dead in Luke 7:11-17.

one large crowd going out
with weeping
meets a buoyant and curious crowd
going in 
buzzing around the Teacher

I stumble against the waves of shock and tears
my only son’s body
sapped of life
a close copy of his father’s
on a similar bier

Pain in, pain out
the expansion of my lungs
a merciless rhythm
of a life I long to bury
with them

the contrasting crowds
now jostle noisily
and the Teacher’s eyes
find mine
swamped and sinking

“Don’t cry,” he says, drawing near

He touches the bier
the bearers freeze
then he talks to my son
as if he’s only in another room
“Young man, I tell you, arise!”

and arise he does
instantly full of color and
talking as if his last sentence
was only interrupted
by time not death

when the Teacher gives me my son
I see in His eyes
an acquaintance with grief
my tears run again
with relief and gratitude

the crowds now one in fear and awe
another Elijah? they murmur
but I know, 
my son on my right as we return
surely, God Himself has come to visit

COPYRIGHT/USAGE: All writing, artwork and photos are copyright Marydean Draws. Please do not repost or resell on another website. I’m happy for you to use my coloring pages and other printables for home, school, and ministry. If you share content, please link back to the original post. Thank you!

If you enjoy the art, you can buy prints from the collection HERE!

jesus speaks to women