Kingdom Principle: Jesus encounters a ruler in Israel who has a dying daughter. Jesus brings this little girl back from death. It is a powerful miracle. It points to Jesus’ command over life and death. It points to Jesus’ work on the cross and in the resurrection. Beloved we no longer have to fear death, or anything for that matter, because Jesus has conquered all things in his death and resurrection.A __________________ Greatest ___________________Luke 8:49 (ESV) — 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.” What is our only hope in life and death?That we are not our own but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.The remedy to our fear, is the sovereign control and power of the Lord Jesus Christ. Not even death is outside of Jesus’ authority. Philippians 1:18–24 (ESV) — 18 …Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. If death is defeated, what can this life bring, that won’t ultimately lead to our full and final deliverance?The ____________________ Greatest ______________________Luke 8:54–55 (ESV) — 54 But taking her by the hand he called, saying, “Child, arise.” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.Physical death is only a temporary state. (Matthew 25:31-46_Intermediate State: Where we spend our time between our ____________ death and our _______________ destination. Luke 23:42–43 (ESV) — 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 16:22–23 (ESV) — 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. “The souls of the saints are not sleeping, but are gathered around Christ, beholding His glory and resting in His love, yet still longing for the day of full redemption when they will be clothed again with their glorified bodies.” –Jonathan EdwardsHebrews 2:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. We all face death, but in Christ, we no longer have to fear death. Question to ConsiderHow does this reality bring you comfort in the midst of your trials?
