25th April 2025
Jesus has conquered death
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.’
John 14:1-3 (NIVUK)
Crucifixion was final. It was effective and permanent. Nobody came back from that, but then it’s claimed that Jesus did. Jesus had promised that death could not hold him (Matthew 16:21) and the Christian claim is that on the 3rd day he rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
Death is always a profoundly significant event which often brings sadness trailing in its wake. But if death is not the end, if it is merely a comma rather than a full stop in the sentence of life, then a new perspective on death is presented, where hope is mingled with our grief.
Although it’s the elephant in the room that few want to address, unless Jesus returns first, all of us face death. We will experience the death of family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours as well as our own demise. It can be troubling and disconcerting.
This is where the words of Jesus in our header scripture are aimed to provide some comfort. We may continue to be frightened of the process of dying, which can be distressing and painful. We may be worried about how our loved ones will cope without us. There is much that may make us anxious, but because of the resurrection of Jesus, we need not be frightened of death itself. Sunday followed Friday and Jesus was alive; he had conquered death, not just for himself but for all humanity.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event but a living reality that guarantees the resurrection of all people, for the last enemy, death, has been destroyed, and in Christ all shall be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:20-26). It is the foundation of Christian hope, offering assurance of eternal life and calling believers to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of the resurrection.
As we celebrate and reflect on the resurrection of Jesus, we are reminded of the profound hope and responsibility that comes with this glorious promise. It is a call to live with hope, courage, and a commitment to the values of God’s kingdom, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in the promise of resurrection.
‘…thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (1 Corinthians 15:57).
Prayer
Loving Father, strengthen our conviction in the promise of the resurrection. May we live each day with the assurance that, just as Christ rose from the dead, we too shall be raised to new life. Empower us to share this message of hope and salvation with others, so that they too may come to believe and trust in Jesus. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
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Study by: Barry Robinson About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion West Hampstead
Sidings Community Centre
150 Brassey Road
West Hampstead
London
NW6 2BA
Meeting time:
Sunday 12.30 pm
Local congregational contact:
Gordon Brown
gordon.brown@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church