Jesus Conquered Death
Posted by Karah
Pause
As you begin your time with God, turn down the noise of your own thoughts. If a distracting thought comes to mind, intentionally set it aside. Choose to focus your mind on Christ and His Word.
The Bible teaches that death is a consequence of sin (Rom. 6:23). But Jesus’ incarnation even has an effect on death. Read Hebrews 2:5-18 in your Bible to learn more. Underline what Jesus’ death accomplished when you read it.
” . . . and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.” —Hebrews 2:15
Answer these questions:
What do these verses help you better understand about Jesus, His divinity, superiority, or the reason He came?
Reread verses 14-15. In your own words, outline the reasons Jesus came to live among us.
In His sinless life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus has defeated sin’s power over us and abolished the fear of death. While death still occurs, believers no longer have to live in fear of it.
Why? What hope do we have that non-Christians don’t? Explain.
Jesus became a man. He suffered and died on the cross. His death paid the penalty of sin, and His resurrection provided a way for eternal life. Those who follow Jesus will still face an earthly death, but will spend eternity with Him.
Respond
Many people list death among their greatest fears. Consider your own thoughts on death. How does the promise of eternal life affect those fears? Be honest with God about your fears as you list them in your journal. To close your prayer and express your trust in Him, write Jesus in large letters on top of the list.
Scripture teaches that sin and the fear of its consequences can enslave us. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any sin you are allowing to have control over you. Boldly confess these sins, seeking forgiveness and placing your trust in what Jesus has already done to set you free.
For further study of Jesus’ power over death, read John 11 and 1 Corinthians 15.
Behind the Story
One of the main themes of the Book of Hebrews is Jesus’ superiority and unique role as the only Mediator between God and humanity. In Hebrews 2, the author carefully explained that Jesus is greater than the angels. Angels often spoke for God, but Jesus revealed God most clearly. Angels were created beings; Jesus was the divine Creator. In later chapters of Hebrews, the author outlined how Jesus is superior to the high priest and the prophets. In fact, Jesus is exalted over everything. Knowing this is true, how should it affect our daily lives?
Incarnation n. =Theological term used to describe God taking on human flesh and living on earth
The Point
Jesus became like us so that He could set us free from slavery to sin and destroy death’s power over us.
Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions