Gospel Reflections #2: Death is a sleep

Luke 8:52 Jesus said. 'Do not weep. He is not dead. He is sleeping."

The death of a loved one or friend is sad and lonely, but Jesus says that death is a sleep. When Adam and Eve sinned, God, Himself declared war not against Adam and Eve but against Satan. And through the cross of Jesus, that declaration of war became a victory.

Jesus died for us and won the victory. This death was not just a sleep but a total break-up or separation from God. In the midst of the fear and threat of experiencing a break-up with God the Father, Jesus chose to believe and surrender to God the Father, to love us through and through, and to offer his life for us.

This is the very reason that is why we are given the hope of the resurrection because Jesus died and won the battle over death. Jesus was resurrected from the dead!

Because Jesus died on the cross, because He rose from the dead on the third day, death has become sleep for us as well. With death comes the resurrection!

Our death becomes a sleep not because of our efforts or achievements, but because of Jesus' achievements and His love.

Jesus always speaks to us today. No matter what the situation, no matter who we are, we have Jesus by our side, calling out to us, encouraging us, and comforting us. Let's bring our sadness and loneliness to Jesus today, too!

Death may come but resurrection is sure, too!

This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, a devoted student of the Bible who passionately embraces the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on the Gospels as a way to reach out to others and spread the message of Jesus. We're sharing her message here so that you too can experience the joy that comes from the Gospel that fills her heart.