A Hermeneutical Study of the Compassion of Jesus (Luke 7:11-17) in a Nigerian Society Plagued by Corona Virus

Abstract

The divine image, which every human being bears as a result of God’s benevolence at creation attracts us to the Divine. Human beings are religious by nature and in order to fully realise themselves as humans, they have to be and live out the divine qualities instilled in each of them by the Creator. The opposite is often the case when human actions are critically evaluated. One of the divine qualities, which we ought to acquire and practice in order to enhance good human relationship, is compassion. This singular divine feature characterised Jesus’ earthly ministry in words and deeds. In this paper, the writer focuses on an episode in the life of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel according to Luke 7: 11-17. Jesus had compassion on the widow who lost her only son; he consoled her and restored her son back to life. In following Jesus’ footsteps, we can make our world better and be able to bear and live with others.