What is your greatest fear? Mine used to be that I would be a widow… worse, a young widow! I am not afraid to die. Why? Because death is inevitable for all men, Because I know what’s there for me after physical death. Because I know that there is eternal life in heaven after physical death. But I am apprehensive about dying slowly and painfully. What about you? Do you know there’s an antidote to fear of death?
Truth no. 1 – Jesus died for all.
Hebrews 2
9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Truth no. 2 – Jesus died to conquer death.
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.
Jesus died and came back to life and lives today.
1) By His death and resurrection, He won over the devil. He defeated the devil, and made death powerless.
2) By His death, Jesus frees those who are afraid to die from the fear of death. We do not need to be enslaved by our fear of death.
Truth no. 3 – Jesus was like men to help men.
16 For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17 Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Jesus knew what it was like to be human – to be tempted, to suffer, to die. For what? To help men. How?
So that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest – so that He can connect us to God – bring our needs before God.
So that He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted. He won over temptation. He can help us to do the same.
Application:
Are you anxious about dying? Does fear of death enslave you? Look to Jesus – He suffered a painful and horrible death on the cross. He rose from the death. He now lives. He is with us through the Holy Spirit. He knows. He understands. He is praying for us – to be free from death, to be liberated from fear of death, to resist temptation, to win over death. Turn to Jesus, He alone saves.
Let Him take away your fears. Accept His lifeline – receive Him as your Savior and Lord. Have No Fear!
