Conqueror Of Death

• What scares you most about death?

• How do you think most people would react if you told them about Jesus’ death and resurrection?

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1 Corinthians 15:20-23

Mark 5:21-43 tells the story of a man named Jairus whose daughter had died. He asked Jesus for help. Jesus told the mourners who had gathered that the girl wasn’t dead but was merely sleeping. The mourners laughed at him. Jesus took the girl by the hand and told her to get up. She got up. The mourners stopped laughing.

Jesus showed his ultimate power over death three days after his crucifixion. His heart, which had stopped beating, started again. His lungs, which had stopped breathing, filled with air. His eyes, which had been closed, opened. His muscles, which had stopped working, regained their power. His enemies, who thought they’d gotten rid of him for good, and his followers, who thought they’d lost him forever, were all in for the surprise of their lives.

Jesus conquered death once and for all through his resurrection. But that’s not all he did. He also blazed a trail for everyone who follows him. The apostle Paul tells us that Jesus will raise everyone who has died. If we believe in him, death ultimately can have no power over us.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for sending your Son to defeat death once and for all. Help us remember that death can have no power over us. Amen.