SLEEPING (aka DEATH)
Thesis: To teach the hearers the truth about death, and to instill faith and hope in Christ concerning such.
Text: Luke 8:40-42, 49-56
Introduction,
In this section of Scripture our Lord is teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, confirming His teachings and Himself as the Christ of God by performing a series of miracles (Matt 9:35; Jn 3:2).
He is then approached by a man, Jairus, a ruler of a synagogue, whose daughter was at the brink of death, evidently the fame of Jesus has been circulated and this man had faith in Him to heal his child.
Then a person came from the ruler’s house saying that his daughter had died, don’t trouble Jesus, all hope is lost.
Yet we know that this is simply not true, with Christ there is always hope, in fact He is referred to as “The Blessed Hope” (Tit 2:14).
Jesus then instructed the man, went to his house, and the child was raised from the dead.
This matter concerns one of the most, if not “the” most, prominent feature in the Christian faith, “the resurrection of the dead” (actually “from” the dead in this case).
Thus, we will take a closer look into this text, in order to build our faith in “He Who is the Firstfruits of them that were asleep, raised to live forevermore” (Rev 1:18; 1 Cor 15:23)
We will take a threefold look at this passage . . .
1) FAITH IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY
2) THERE IS NO FEAR IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY
3) THE FACT OF JESUS’ AUTHORITY
I. FAITH IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY (Luke 8:40-42)
(v 40)
Luk 8:40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd (multitude) welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him.
In this verse this group of people are seen waiting for Jesus in Capernaum in Galilee, He just crossed the Sea and they welcomed Him.
This quite a change from what just transpired across the Sea of Galilee in the country of the Gerasenes.
a. In that region Jesus had cast a legion of demons out of 2 men, the demons entered into a herd of swine, the swine then drowned themselves, thus the people lost the income that they would have gained as a direct result of Jesus’ actions.
b. They, instead of rejoicing in the fact that these two men were delivered from demon possession, cared more for their sausages than their souls, and asked Him to leave, before He could do any more damage to their earthly treasures.
The same could be said today, some welcome Jesus and His unchanging teachings, selflessness, obedience, love, peace, and service unto God.
a. While at the same time another group abhors all that which Jesus stands for, and looks more to personal gain, competition, contention, and plentiful times of leisure.
b. Yet most will not be willing to give up a season of self (this physical life), for an eternity with the Almighty, the Lord stated (Mt 16:25) . . .
Mat 16:25 For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.
c. Then there is another group that manufactures a different Jesus than we read of in the bible, a Jesus that requires little or nothing of them, and actually approves of their practice of certain socially acceptable sins, the sins of abortion (baby murdering) and assorted fornications (promiscuity, adultery, sodomy, and lesbianism) top this list in our day, these are only temporarily fooling themselves, for they will ultimately stand before the “real” Jesus, and be judged according to His New Covenant (the New Testament; John 12:48; Rom 2:16).
Joh 12:48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.
Rom 2:16 in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.
d. Yet there are some, a few, with open hearts, that good ground, who will hear, believe, and obey Him unto eternal life, for one soul is worth more than all the world has to offer combined, the heavenly angels shout for joy when just one soul comes to Christ through the gospel (Luke 15:7).
Note that these here are “waiting for Him”, we today also are to be waiting for Him, looking for Him, His second coming, here is the way that Paul put it in Tit 2:13-14 . . .
Tit 2:13 waiting (looking) for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,
Tit 2:14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
When He comes He will be bringing the souls of the departed Christians with Him (1 Thess 4:14), who will be reunited with their raised and changed bodies, and we that are alive will be changed also, in a twinkling of an eye, and we will all be caught up to meet the Lord in the air, and we will forever then be with the Lord (1 Thess 4:15-18), and all our earthly woes will come to an end (2 Pet 3:10-14), the former things will have passed away (Rev 21:1-5).
(v 41)
Luk 8:41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house,
Here we see Jairus, a religious ruler, falling down at the feet of Jesus, Matthew’s account stated that he “worshipped Him” (Mt 9:18).
Let us think about the situation at that time; Jesus was certainly no friend of the religious leaders of that day, I am sure that anyone that followed Jesus was considered a traitor, at least in part, to the adherents of Judaism.
i. Thus we should conclude that this man’s knowledge of the teachings and miracles of Christ gave him faith (Jn 20:30-31; Rom 10:17) . . .
Joh 20:30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
Joh 20:31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
Rom 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (God).
ii. That faith, when combined with the love for his daughter, motivated him to seek out Christ, worship Him as God in the flesh, and set his hope on Christ’s authority over disease, this is basically “faith working through love” (Gal 5:6).
Gal 5:6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
iii. Also we could assume that because of his actions, this man could lose his seat of ruler-ship in the religious community at that time, seeing that Christ was considered an enemy to the Law of Moses by most, (yet in actuality He was an enemy of the traditions of men, not the Law of Moses).
The same is true to this day, God gave us His word which when studied and applied, gives us faith (Rom 10:17).
i. God also gave His Son (John 3:16) of which when one hears, and fully realizes that which Christ gave up (existing as God in heaven itself), and what He went through for you and me (the Innocent put to death at the hands of the wicked upon one of the most heinous instruments of torture ever conceived by man, being hung upon a cross until dead), produces love in our hearts (We love because He first loved us; 1 John 4:19; in dying for us; Jn 15:13).
ii. Which in turn motivates us to seek out Christ, and set our hopes on His authority, over sin, and over death, He Himself said (Mt 28:18b; 16:18) . . .
Mat 28:18b All authority has been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
Mat 16:18b and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.
iii. Yet this will be costly, at least from a worldly (unregenerated) point of view, or it might seem so, it may cost us our pastimes, our friends, our pleasures, our associations with the religions of men, but with God’s grand scheme in view, it is worth all this and more (Rom 8:18), for it is written (2 Cor 6:17-18; Ja 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17) . . .
2Co 6:17 Therefore go out from (among them) their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will (receive) welcome you,
2Co 6:18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."
Jas 4:4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
1Jn 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world—the (lust) desires of the flesh and the (lust) desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world is passing away along with its (lust) desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
iv. God wants to change our focus, our loves, our hearts, so that they will be like His, this actually is what the gospel of Jesus Christ is all about, this is its goal, to make us like Him (1 Cor 11:1; Eph 5:1; Col 3:10).
(v 42)
Luk 8:42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him.
This man was desperate, this was his only daughter, and she was dying!
Desperation today, is that which drives many people to Christ, desperate for life, desperate for hope, desperate for rest, that which only God through Christ can give (He said) . . .
Mat 11:28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
i. Rest from the love of sin, rest from the practice of sin, rest from the results of sin, which we are looking at here, death is a direct result of sin (Rom 6:23).
Rom 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The multitudes pressed around Christ, they crowded to Him, His teachings, His miracles . . .
i. Yet soon, He would be gone, so would the miracles, the teachings would seem hard, many would forsake Him, but a few would believe and continue to follow, thousands heard, saw and partook of the miracles, yet only 120 continued following after 3 ½ years of intense preaching and teaching (Acts 1:15), look at John 6:66-68 . . .
Joh 6:66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
Joh 6:67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?"
Joh 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,
ii. Today also many at first are excited about being Christians, they feel alive, vibrant, yet when troubles come because of the word, they fall away, back into their old lives, without God, and without hope as depicted in the parable of the sower (turn to Mk 4:16-17).
Mar 4:16 And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy.
Mar 4:17 And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account (because) of the word, immediately they fall away.
iii. Yet with plenty of spiritual Food (God’s word; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 3:18),
1Pe 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere (pure) milk of the word, that you may grow thereby:
2Pe 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen.
iv. Exercise (application of that word; Mt 7:21; Ja 1:22),
Mat 7:21 "Not everyone who keeps saying to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will get into the kingdom from heaven, but only the person who keeps doing the will of my Father in heaven. (ISV)
Jas 1:22 Keep on being obedient to the word, and not merely being hearers who deceive themselves.
(ISV)
v. And rest (hope in the promises of God, Who cannot lie Tit 1:2; 1 Pet 1:3 contained within that word), produces “faith in Jesus and His authority”
Tit 1:2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
vi. Which should lead us right where God would have us, walking in the light of His word, waiting and looking for, that great Day (Tit 2:13).
Tit 2:13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
vii. Let us end this section by looking at 2 Pet 3:12-14 . . .
2Pe 3:12 (looking/) waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are (looking/) waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are (looking/) waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
viii. Therefore let us always be ready, because at a time that we think not, He will come (Mt 25:44).
II. THERE IS NO FEAR IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY (Luke 8:49-50)
A. (Skip down to v 49)
Luk 8:49 While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more."
Then the worse thing that could happen, did; the little girl died! Don’t trouble Jesus, there’s nothing He can do now!
1. Many believe that there’s nothing Jesus can do today! Seeing that the confirming miracles have ceased (John 9:1-4; 1 Cor 13:8-10; Eph 4:8-14), so why trouble Jesus?
a. Those that believe such are oh so wrong! Jesus can give you what no one can take from you, peace in any circumstance (Jn 14:27; 16:33; Phili 4:7); Love for all, no matter how they act (Mt 5:44); and a Hope, a Living Hope that will never fade (1 Pet 1:3), only grow, eternal in the heavens, let us always trouble Jesus.
b. And also concerning the miracles, let us keep in mind that God does work in the lives of people even to this day through the gospel (Jn 5:17), but if one has not been born again, they cannot see it (Jn 3:3), and He has the ability to do a miracle if He so wills (Mt 19:26), so let us have faith concerning such, but the grand scheme of God is that we endure faithfully unto death, as did the Lord Jesus, so let us not set our hearts so much on miracles, but rather on Heaven (Lk 10:20), for where our hearts are, there will our treasure be also (Mt 6:19-21; Col 3:1-4).
B. (v 50)
Luk 8:50 But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear (fear not); only believe, and she will be (made whole) well."
Christ heard the bad news and told him “not to fear”.
1. “Fear” does not mix with “faith,” Christ told this man to replace his fear with “faith,” “belief.”
2. In His ministry thus far . . .
a. Christ had asserted His authority with His teaching and preaching,
b. He had asserted His authority over sickness and disease,
c. He had asserted His authority over the forces of nature,
d. He had asserted His authority over demons,
e. And now He is going to assert His authority over death itself, but it was conditional, this man had to “believe”, “have faith” in Jesus’ authority over death, and “then” would his daughter be made whole.
3. We need to understand that apart from Jesus and the gospel we are not whole, we are not healed, we are not well, we are sick in the sight of God, therefore we also must “fear not,” concerning death, Jesus came to take away that fear (turn to Heb 2:14-15)
Heb 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he (Christ) himself likewise partook of the same things (He became flesh in order that He could be put to death for our sins, because you can’t kill God) that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
Heb 2:15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong (bondage) slavery.
a. And He did deliver us, by dying for us, by going to Hades for us, by being delivered from the Hadean realm and being rejoined with His body for us, thus being raised from the dead and thereby giving us a living hope as ones who follow Him (look at 1 Pet 1:3-5),
1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
1Pe 1:4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, (reserved) kept in heaven for you,
1Pe 1:5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
b. Now turn to 1 Cor 15:22-23 (stay there) . . .
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
So that now through the power of God, the gospel, death is only not to be feared, but also actually something to look forward to as gain (Phili 1:21-23)
Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell.
Php 1:23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.
Before Christ, death’s truths were basically a mystery, but now through the gospel we can see Jesus in the scriptures partaking of death, where He went, where He ended up, this being revealed takes away much of the fear concerning death and its unknown nature.
Death is not pleasant, it is the result of sin, but it is something that most of us will have to go through, undesirable as it may be, we must go through it to reach our goal, to be like God with God, but when it is behind us I am sure we will be thankful for all God has done for us through Christ concerning this matter, and I am also sure that we will not want to come back to this world, such as it is.
4. Under the authority of Christ not only is the fear of death be taken away, but there is a day coming, our God has promised that death itself will be done away, conquered, as it is written (again look at 1 Cor 15:22-26, 50-57) . . .
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death (go to v 50). . .
1Co 15:50 I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.
1Co 15:51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
1Co 15:54 When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory."
1Co 15:55 "O death, where is your victory? O death (Hades), where is your sting?"
1Co 15:56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
1Co 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
a. And He will do as He promised, for it is impossible for Him to lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18) at the 2nd coming of Christ the eternal state of God’s creation will commence,
b. The dead will be raised and rejoined with their changed new incorruptible bodies,
c. The physical universe will be destroyed thus all ruling authorities will be abolished
d. All will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, the verdicts will be issued, permanent separation between the redeemed and the worldly will be made.
e. No more infants will be born, and death will cease as we know it, all will live forever,
The only question is “where will we spend eternity?”
For those that subject themselves to the gospel of Christ (Rom 10:3) and place themselves under “Jesus’ authority have no reason to fear,” but rather to REJOICE!!! (1 Thess 5:16),
Looking forward to and earnestly desiring That Day (look at 2 Pet 3:10-14).
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed (burned up).
2Pe 3:11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,
2Pe 3:12 (looking/)waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!
2Pe 3:13 But according to his promise we are (looking/)waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
2Pe 3:14 Therefore, beloved, since you are (looking/)waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.
i. If we focus on this (being holy and looking forward to Jesus’ 2nd coming) it will take away our fear and replace it with faith, which is where God wants us to be, Jesus said in Lk 8:50 “do not fear, only believe”.
j. Believe that He will raise us, believe that He will change us, believe that He will take us out of here, believe that He will bring us to His abode being with Him for ever and ever in eternity.
III. THE FACT OF JESUS’ AUTHORITY (Luke 8:51-56)
(v 51)
Luk 8:51 And when he came to the house, he allowed no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child.
We should assume that at least some of the multitudes followed Him, He had them stay outside, only a few were to be privy to what actually took place.
We should conclude that Jesus told these select few “to tell no one what had happened” (v 56), the purpose being because “His time had not yet come” to be crucified.
a. For when the news of His raising of Lazarus from the dead spread among the people, the Jews purposed to kill both Jesus and Lazarus (John 11:53; 12:10-11), And Jesus could no more openly walk among the Jews (John 11:54), and because of this, He was crucified shortly thereafter.
b. So there was a timeframe that was to take place, and that is what we are seeing here, at just the right time, the fullness of time, God sent forth His son to deliver us from our sins and make us His children (Gal 4:4-5).
(v 52)
Luk 8:52 And all were weeping and mourning for her, but he said, "Do not weep, for she is not dead but sleeping."
We learn from Matthew’s account (Mt 9:23) that this “weeping and mourning” was also accompanied by “flute playing”.
1. Back in those times, when a Jew died it was customary to hire professional mourners, and the fact that they are present is a proof of this girl’s death.
a. When Jesus said, “she is not dead, but sleeping,” He did not literally mean this, this is a figure of speech (John 11:14; 16:25-29), the Lord here is attempting to teach the people to use scripture as a basis of their lives and therefore also their speech (1 Pet 4:11), for scripture speaks many times of death as sleep, we also ought to use every opportunity to teach people (Mt 28:19-20; 1 Cor 11:1).
b. Also “she is not dead” in the way many of that day thought, remember at this time the Sadducean party was the ruling sect of the Sanhedrin (Acts 23:8),
Act 23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit . . .
c. (This may have been the thought of many in that day, therefore to be dead is to no longer exist, similar to the JW’s or atheist’s doctrine)
2. “Sleeping” here does refer to the physical death of the body, again death is often figuratively described as “sleep” in the biblical text (John 11:11-14; Acts 7:60; 1 Cor 15:6; 18; 1 Thess 4:13-15; 2 Pet 3:4) for the body lying motionless in death does resemble sleep, this description of the state of death likely comes from 2 OT verses (Ps 13:3; Dan 12:2) . . .
Psa 13:3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
Dan 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
a. One of the main reasons this is termed so is because this is only temporary, just like one sleeps at night but in the morning awakes, so also on the Last Day the bodies of all who are in their tombs will arise!!! As brought forth by Martha concerning Lazarus (Jn 11:24) . . .
Joh 11:24 Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."
b. As also stated by our Lord (Jn 5:28-29) . . .
Joh 5:28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
Joh 5:29 and come (forth) out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
3. Also one’s spirit seems to be described as being in a state of rest in the scriptures, in Lk 16:19-31 Lazarus is spoken of as being in “comfort” in Hades . . .
Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
a. Also consider Samuel when he was brought up from the realm of the dead he stated . . .
1Sa 28:15 Then Samuel said to Saul, "Why have you disturbed (disquieted) me by bringing me up?" Saul answered, "I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do."
b. What was Samuel disturbed from? Rest? Comfort?
c. And also in 2 Esdras which is considered scripture by the Ethiopian church states in 2 Esdras 7:88-98 . . .
2Es 7:88 Now this is the order of those who have kept the ways of the Most High, when they shall be separated from the corruptible vessel.
2Es 7:89 In the time that they lived therein they painfully served the Most High, and were in jeopardy every hour, that they might keep the law of the lawgiver perfectly.
2Es 7:90 Wherefore this is the teaching concerning them:
2Es 7:91 First of all they shall see with great joy the glory of him who takes them up, for they shall have rest in seven orders.
2Es 7:92 The first order, because they have striven with great labor to overcome the evil thought which was fashoned together with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death.
2Es 7:93 The second order, because they see the perplexity in which the souls of the ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaits them.
2Es 7:94 The third order, they see the witness which he that fashioned them bears concerning them, that while they lived they kept the law which was given them in trust.
2Es 7:95 The fourth order, they understand the rest which, being gathered in their chambers, they now enjoy with great (profound) quietness, guarded by angels, and the glory that awaits them in the last days.
2Es 7:96 The fifth order, they rejoice, seeing how they have now escaped from that which is corruptible, and how they shall inherit that which is to come, while they see moreover the straitness and the painfulness from which they have been delivered, and the large room which they shall receive with joy and immortality.
2Es 7:97 The sixth order, when it is showed to them how their face shall shine as the sun, and how they shall be made like to the light of the stars, being henceforth incorruptible.
2Es 7:98 The seventh order, which is greater than all the aforesaid orders, because they shall rejoice with confidence, and because they shall be bold without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they hasten to behold the face of him whom in their lifetine they served, and from whom they shall receive their reward in glory.
d. To me this seems to be what is described in Heb ch 4 which describes the Christians’ rest after this life (Heb 4:9-11) . . .
Heb 4:9 So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,
Heb 4:10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
Heb 4:11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
(v 53)
Luk 8:53 And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.
From Matthew’s account we learn that these were the professional mourners (Matt 9:23-24) not Peter, John James and the little girl’s parents.
Many today also “laugh” when we speak the oracles of God (1 Pet 4:11), when we, like Jesus refer to, or quote scripture (1 Cor 11:1).
Also many laugh concerning the resurrection, yet this is one of the principle facts of Christianity, for it is written (1 Cor 15:3-4) . . .
1Co 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
1Co 15:4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,
And if this is not the truth, we Christians are most pathetic, for we believe a pack of liars spewing out lies, giving up many of the worldly pleasures in this life for another that does not even exist (1 Cor 15:12-20).
(v 54)
Luk 8:54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise."
Here we see the power, the authority contained in the word of God.
In the creation account “God said” and it was, it came to pass (Ps 33:6-9; Heb 11:3) . . .
Psa 33:6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
Psa 33:7 He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.
Psa 33:8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!
Psa 33:9 For he spoke, and it (was done) came to be; he commanded, and it stood (fast) firm.
Heb 11:3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
In the hundreds, if not thousands of prophecies contained in the Scriptures “God said” and it likewise came to pass, for the Scripture cannot be broken (Jn 10:35).
a. Thus there is “authority” in the Word of God (John 1:14; Mt 28:18; 1 Cor 14:37).
Joh 1:14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us . . .
Mat 28:18 . . . All authority has been given unto me in heaven and on earth.
1Co 14:37 If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord.
b. There is also “power” in the word of God (Luke 1:37 (ASV); Isa 55:11; Heb 4:12).
Luk 1:37 For no word from God shall be void of power. (ASV)
Isa 55:11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active (powerful), sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
c. And there is “life” in the word of God (John 6:63; Heb 4:12).
Joh 6:63 It is the S(s)pirit (that) who (that) gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.
d. The whole of creation shows forth this “life from life principle,” evolution is a unprovable farce, developed by men who refuse to believe and align their lives with the commands of The living God, that life giving Spirit, Who is our origin, Who cares for us day by day, we are in his hands, this is why we exist, to do His will unto His glory (Eccl 12:13; Isa 43:7; Col 1:16a; Rev 4:11).
Ecc 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Isa 43:7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made."
Col 1:16b all things were created by him, and for him:
Rev 4:11 "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."
e. God’s Son has at this time all authority (Matt 28:18), and He will openly exercise that authority against the unbelieving world at His 2nd coming (2 Thess 1:8),
2Th 1:8 rendering vengeance to them that know not God, and to them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus:
f. Then will take place the Final Judgment, the Lord stated (John 5:26-29; Mt 25:31-46) . . .
Joh 5:26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
Joh 5:27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
Mat 25:31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
Mat 25:32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
Mat 25:33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Mat 25:34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world . . .
Mat 25:41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mat 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
g. Why? Because of their choices, one group (the few) chose to do God’s will based on faith, love and hope, and the other (the many) chose to do their own will based on self, this is the determining factor in our eternal destiny (Rom 6:16-18).
Rom 6:16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?
Rom 6:17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed,
Rom 6:18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.
E. (v 55)
Luk 8:55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed (commanded) that something should be given her to eat.
Death is not the end of ones existence, not for “any” period of time, it is merely a separation (Ja 2:26).
Jam 2:26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
When a person is conceived within his mother’s womb, those united cells produce a soul (the life force, that which animates the body) at that time, God gives those united cells a spirit (Zech 12:1; Wisdom 8:19-20).
Zec 12:1 . . . Thus declares the LORD, who stretched out the heavens and founded the earth and formed the spirit of man within him:
Wis 8:19 Now I was a child of parts, and a good soul fell to my lot;
Wis 8:20 Nay rather, being good, I came into a body undefiled.
a. When a person experiences physical death, that animating force ceases to function, the body begins to decay back into the dust of the ground from which it came (Gen 3:19) . . .
Gen 3:19 By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return."
b. And the spirit of the person goes back to God, Who gave it (Eccl 12:7).
Ecc 12:7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
c. But the question is what does He do with it? Luke 16:19-31 gives us that answer, (turn to Luke 16:22-23).
Luk 16:22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,
Luk 16:23 and in Hades, being in torment(s), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
d. Angels carry the redeemed (in this case, Lazarus the beggar) to Abraham’s bosom (side), which is in Hades.
e. Now concerning the lost, we are not given the specifics, all we know is that the rich man’s body was buried (v 22), while he (his spirit) was in Hades.
f. Peter in his sermon on Pentecost stated that Jesus (His spirit) was not left in Hades “nor” did his flesh (body) see corruption, this shows us the dual nature of mankind, the fact that He indeed descended into the Hadean realm is also affirmed in Eph 4:8-10, therefore we learn that there indeed is a distinction between the body and the spirit (Acts 2:31; Eph 4:8-10) . . .
Act 2:27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.
Act 2:31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption.
Eph 4:8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth (i.e. Hades)?
Eph 4:10 He who descended (into Hades) is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
g. Yet we learn that the spirit of Jesus and of the thief on the cross went to “Paradise” when they experienced physical death (Lk 23:43) . . .
Luk 23:43 And he said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise."
h. And look at His next words in v 46 . . .
Luk 23:46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!". . .
i. Thus we should conclude that Jesus’ spirit was transferred into Hades (referred to here as Paradise) by the Father through the agency of the angels, for we know that He didn’t ascend to Heaven, the abode of God at this time, because in John’s account the resurrected Lord stated (John 20:17) . . .
Joh 20:17 Jesus said to her, "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'"
j. Concerning the term “Paradise” it is a Persian word that is a general term which denotes “a park or pleasure ground,” and can appropriately be any place especially prepared for enjoyment, especially those abodes meant for God’s people, whether it be the Garden of Eden, comfort in Hades, or Heaven proper the specific dwelling place of God, keep in mind there are “many mansions (abodes)” in the spiritual realm (Jn 14:2), they are also referred to as the “heavenly places” (Eph 1:3)
k. Now Paul in 2 Cor 12 speaks of a place a man went which is referred to synonymously as “the third heaven” (2 Cor 12:2) and “Paradise” (2 Cor 12:4). I used to believe that this referred to the same place where Jesus and the thief on the cross went to at physical death; but seeing that most believe it is Paul speaking of himself when he was stoned and left for dead at Lystra (Acts 14:19), and he could have very well been dead (even though we are not given that information), if that was the case then I believe this is a reference to the first resurrection (Rev 20:4-5) which is reserved for martyrs of Christ, which if dead he would have been (2 Cor 12:2-4).
2Co 12:2 I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I know not; or whether out of the body, I know not; God knows), such a one caught up even to the third heaven.
2Co 12:3 And I know such a man (whether in the body, or apart from the body, I know not; God knows),
2Co 12:4 how that he was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
l. I believe “the third heaven” here in Paul’s case is likely a reference Heaven proper (there is our atmosphere, the first heaven, outer space, the second heaven, and the specific dwelling place of God, the third heaven, which is also referred to as Paradise in Rev 2:7) . . .
Rev 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers (overcomes) I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'
m. And also note that this “Paradise” was referred to as being “up,” Paul was “caught up into Paradise” (2 Cor 12:4)
n. While the “Paradise” Jesus went to “comfort in Hades” is a place to which He descended (Eph 4:8-10) . . .
Eph 4:8 Therefore it says, "When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men."
Eph 4:9 (In saying, "He ascended," what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth (i.e. Hades)?
Eph 4:10 He who descended (into Hades) is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)
o. Now concerning Hades, the Scriptures teach that Hades consists of two compartments, one of comfort, one of torments, anguish and flames (Lk 16:23-25) . . .
Luk 16:23 and in Hades, being in torment(s), he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
Luk 16:24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'
Luk 16:25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
p. And there is a barrier between the two compartments, which is (or was) uncrossable (v 26).
Luk 16:26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm (gulf) has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'
q. But from 1 Pet 3-4 we learn that when Jesus went there He not only went to Paradise with the thief on the cross, but He also may have crossed over, or at least spoken from one side to the other to the spirits that died in Noah’s flood (1 Pet 3:18-20; 4:6) . . .
1Pe 3:18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
1Pe 3:19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,
1Pe 3:20 because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.
1Pe 4:6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.
r. Therefore all the spirits of mankind (except for the martyrs; Rev 20:4), both the obedient and disobedient to God, will remain in this place (Hades) until Christ’s 2nd coming on the Last Day, at which time, it will be emptied, and destroyed (Rev 20:13b-14)
Rev 20:13b . . . and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Rev 20:14 And death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death, even the lake of fire.
s. Then “all” the disembodied spirits (including the 1st century martyrs) will at that time be reunited with changed incorruptible bodies, for the bible teaches but one “bodily” resurrection (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).
Joh 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, (in Jewish reckoning “hour” stands for the shortest increment of time), in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice,
Joh 5:29 and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.
Act 24:15 . . . that there shall be a (one, singular) resurrection both of the just and unjust (together).
t. And this will take place at Christ’s 2nd coming (1 Cor 15:23-26).
1Co 15:23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming.
1Co 15:24 Then comes the end, when he shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have abolished all rule and all authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign, till he has put all his enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy that shall be abolished is death.
u. Those faithful Christians who are alive at Christ’s 2nd coming will not have to experience physical death (1 Cor 15:51-52; 1 Thess 4:16-17).
1Co 15:51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We all shall not sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
1Th 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first;
1Th 4:17 then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
v. At that time the physical realms will then be destroyed (2 Pet 3:7, 10; Rev 20:9b, 11).
2Pe 3:7 but the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
2Pe 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
Rev 20:9b and fire came down out of heaven, and devoured them.
Rev 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat upon it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
w. And the whole of mankind with their incorruptible bodies, will stand before Christ and be judged according to Jesus’ words (John 12:48), the gospel Paul preached (Rom 2:16), and the books of the Bible under which each person lived (Rev 20:12), and a separation will be made between the 2 groups (Mt 25:46).
Mat 25:46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
x. The ungodly and the faithless will be cast into the lake of fire, i.e. Hell (Rev 20:15)
Rev 20:15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
y. The faithful and the unaccountable (according to God’s standards) will be with God forever and ever (Rev 21:1-3; 22:1-5).
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth are passed away; and the sea is no more.
Rev 21:2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of the throne saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them, and they shall be his peoples, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God . . .
Rev 22:1 And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,
Rev 22:2 in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Rev 22:3 And there shall be no curse any more: and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein: and his servants shall serve him;
Rev 22:4 and they shall see his face; and his name shall be on their foreheads.
Rev 22:5 And there shall be night no more; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun; for the Lord God shall give them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
z. Then, that which was lost in the garden (intimate eternal fellowship with God and access to the tree of life) will be restored, this is “the restoration of all things,” as spoken of in Acts 3:21 (Acts 3:19-21).
Act 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, that so there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord;
Act 3:20 and that he may send the Christ who hath been appointed for you, even Jesus:
Act 3:21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, whereof God spake by the mouth of His holy prophets that have been from of old. (This parallels 2 Pet 3:9-13).
F. Now back to our context (Luke 8:56)
Luk 8:56 And her parents were amazed, but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.
The girl’s parents were amazed, what about Peter, John and James? I supposed the truth about Christ is beginning to sink in to them also.
a. Neither ought we to be amazed that God raises the dead (Acts 26:8), if He can raise children of Abraham out of mere stones (Matt 3:9), surely an all powerful, all knowing, all present God can do exactly what He said concerning the resurrection of the dead.
b. So let us strive (agonize) to do Gods will, walking, living, talking, even breathing, according to Christ’s all compassing authority (Matt 28:18), for it will be surely worth it in the end (Rom 6:5).
Rom 6:5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death (buried in the waters of baptism and thereafter walking in newness of life), we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection;
c. For His (Jesus’) resurrection is unto eternal life, while most, those that walk through that wide gate, who follow the broad way, who live according to the ways of this world will be resurrected unto eternal punishment (Matt 25:46), let us give the more diligence to make to make our calling and election sure (2 Pet 1:10).
Conclusion,
In this lesson we looked at . . .
1) THE FAITH IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY, He alone, His example, His doctrine, the Gospel, the Faith, the Way, the New Covenant, the NT, is that one Way, that one unsubjective Truth, they are the only facts, commands, promises and warnings that will result in eternal life.
2) THERE IS NO FEAR IN JESUS’ AUTHORITY, when we believe and obey, that form, pattern (tupos) of teaching from the heart (Rom 6:17), and can read of it in the NT, we can know that we have eternal life waiting for us (1 John 5:13), what have we to fear? What in this world can phase our hope in Christ, God and His promises? Nothing! It is impossible for God to lie (Tit 1:2; Heb 6:18)
3) THE FACT OF JESUS’ AUTHORITY, Our Lord has proved it, He raised the girl, and also His tomb was, and still is empty, He ascended into Heaven, and so will we, if we believe in and submit to His authority by obedience to the gospel, the obedience of faith (Rom 1:5; 16:26). It was revealed in the 1st century and recorded by inspired men, it is God's one and only plan of salvation
One is to . . .
1) Hear the word of God (Acts 2:37; Rom 10:17);
Rom 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Christ).
One is to . . .
2) Believe that Jesus is the Divine Christ (Acts 8:37; John 8:24); Who is Lord (Master) of all (Mt 28:18; Eph 4:5), and that God rewards those that earnestly seek after Him (Heb 11:6), this is the point where one enters into the process of being saved (Lk 13:23; Acts 2:47; 1 Cor 1:18; 15:2; 2 Cor 2:15), Jesus said (Jn 5:24). . .
Joh 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
One is to . . .
3) Repent of sins, (Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3, 5) which is a change of mind that results in a changed life, no one is good enough for God, He needs to change every person and make them fit for the many mansions, Jesus stated
Luk 13:3 . . . except you repent, you shall all in like manner perish.
Paul stated in Acts 17:30 . . .
Act 17:30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
One is to . . .
4) Confess Christ before men (Acts 8:37; Rom 10:9) as did Timothy (1 Tim 6:12) and the eunuch, he proclaimed that “Jesus Christ is the Son of God” . . . So must you,
One is to . . .
5) Be baptized (immersed) into Christ (Gal 3:27), into the death of Christ (Rom 6:3), where His blood was shed (John 19:34), unto (for) the remission of sins. (Acts 2:38; 22:16); this is the point where one is to die to self and live unto God (Rom 6:3-11),
Then one is to . . .
6) Live a holy life unto God (1 Pet 1:15), being separated from the ways of the world and separated to the Way of God (2 Cor 6:17), for He has work for every single Christian to do (1 Cor 15:58),
7) Then we must be determined to follow God’s divine instructions day by day, thereby demonstrating our faith in the authority of our King Jesus Christ, no matter what the cost, it will be worth all this and more (Rom 8:18).