The greatest work of Christ was to conquer death, and, in this, he is the greatest expression to God’s love. The greatest thing in life is to love, and therefore the greatest enemy is death. Jesus came in love to conquer death because there is no greater incongruity than that between love and death. In this life death punishes those who love. There is no greater pain than the pain of bereavement. And this is not right. When Lazarus died, Jesus wept, even while declaring himself to be the resurrection and the life (John 11:25). Jesus’ grief arose from his love, because there is no greater incongruity than that between love and death. Death was the final enemy that Jesus came to defeat (1 Corinthians 15:26). True love is everlasting love. But death cuts short what is meant to last forever. This, again, is not right. That’s why, at the centre of Christian faith, is the hope of eternal life. Jesus raised people from the dead and then he himself rose from the dead to give us this very hope. And love requires this hope. To suffer bereavement is bad enough, but to suffer bereavement without the hope of ultimate reconciliation in eternal life is unbearable. The widow in this story lost everything when she lost her son; she was rendered destitute. But Jesus wasn’t just concerned with her security. This miracle wasn’t just kind provision; it was a sign. He had come to conquer death so that those who love might love with hope; so that everlasting love will be fulfilled in everlasting life.
Remember those loved ones who have died. Thank God for eternal life.
Read Luke 7:11-17
