The saddest thing I’ve ever seen was a funeral without hope.
Typically labeled a “Celebration of Life,” this type of funeral merely reflects on the deceased’s earthly life and accomplishments. His buoyant attitude or her kindness to animals might be mentioned, but there’s nothing to celebrate because no matter how amazing their life was, it’s over now.
That’s how it would be for all of us, had this not happened:
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. [Jesus] said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.”
Luke 12:37-39
Most people who go to the grave stay there, but Jesus? Jesus defeated death.
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Jesus’ Death Was the Beginning Of Life, Not the End
I do not know what it’s like to die.
I’ve experienced moments of excruciating physical pain to the point where death seemed like a real possibility, but I’ve never actually crossed that threshold. I do know—as do you—that death is the end of a life. There’s no coming back from it.
But Jesus’ death broke this cycle.
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.”
Matthew 27:50-52
The moment Jesus died, a bunch of people popped out of their graves and started walking around like a real zombie apocalypse! Isn’t that crazy?
What’s crazier is that billions of souls were saved that day. Those guys that came to life again didn’t stay alive forever, at least not in the body. But their souls lived forever because he died. Jesus’ death was the beginning of life for man. He took your place on the cross, saving you from God’s wrath. (See my post Jesus Saved You From Sin, Death, Hell—And God.)
And then he rose, giving you resurrection hope.
Resurrection Hope: Because He Lives, You Will Too
It wasn’t enough for Jesus to simply die. He needed to conquer death—to kill this product of sin. Had he not been resurrected, there would be no Easter. No glory, no hope for eternal life for anyone. But, as 1 Corinthians 15:54 says, because Jesus rose from the grave, “death has been swallowed up in victory!”
Jesus defeated death when he rose from the grave. Because of that, when you die, your physical life on earth might end, but your eternal life will begin.
This is your resurrection hope: the certainty that what’s to come is far bigger and better than anything you’ve ever known or imagined. Ever been on a long road trip where you’re stuck in the car with siblings who seem deadset on destroying your sanity, and you just want to call it off and turn around but you know the destination at the end will be the awesomest place you’ve ever seen?
This is so much better.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.”
Romans 8:18-19, 23
Resurrection hope isn’t simply the expectation of future relief from physical pain. Your resurrection hope changes you now. It turns you from wickedness to holiness because you recognize what you suffer here in the short term is a blink compared to the lasting glory of an eternity with Christ. Burdens become opportunities to experience and long for more of God. And pleasures?
They’re nothing but appetizers to the grand feast awaiting you in heaven.
“Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”
John 16:20, 22
What you hope for tomorrow changes who you are today.
What you hope for tomorrow changes who you are today. Hope helps you reject the allure of sin, endure life’s battles, and eagerly anticipate an extraordinary, over-the-top eternal joy in God’s presence.
That’s resurrection hope at work in you right now. Because he rose, you will rise too. Rejoice!
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
For Further Reading
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Check out these Bible passages to learn more about how Jesus’ death affects your life:
See how your resurrection hope changes you:
- John 16 talks about our earthly troubles fading to joy when we get to heaven
- Romans 8 shares how the Holy Spirit changes you, and how your present sufferings can’t compare to your future glory
- From Silence to Song: How to Find Your Heart of Praise
- How to Build Rock-Solid Faith When God Stirs the Coals
- “I Think It’s Gonna Be a Great Day”: 4 Truths For Bad Days
More on the resurrection and eternity:
- Luke 24 is the full resurrection story
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 sums up Christ’s resurrection
- Look Forward to Eternity: The Best is Yet to Come!
- Share the Hope of Eternity With A Lost World