In addressing the topic of death, Jesus offered profound insights that provide comfort, hope, and understanding about the nature of death and the promise of eternal life. His teachings emphasize not the end but a transition to a life in communion with God. Here are key instances where Jesus spoke about death in the Bible:
- John 11:25-26
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'”
Here, Jesus speaks to Martha before raising her brother Lazarus from the dead, offering assurance of eternal life to those who believe in Him, transforming the concept of death for believers. - Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This teaching advises not to fear physical death but to have a reverent fear of God, emphasizing the value of the soul over the physical body. - John 14:1-3
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of eternal dwelling places prepared for them in Heaven, assuring them of reunion after death. - Luke 23:43
“And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.'”
Speaking to one of the criminals crucified alongside Him, Jesus promises that the man will be with Him in paradise that very day, illustrating His power to grant eternal life even at the point of death. - Matthew 16:25
“For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.”
Jesus teaches about the paradox of life and death, suggesting that true life is found in surrendering to Him, even if it means facing physical death.
These passages reveal Jesus’ teachings on death as not the final word for those who believe in Him but a passage to eternal life. He encourages us not to fear death, promises a place for us after we leave this world, and shows that through faith in Him, death is overcome.
