Victory Over Death | Thursday
Devotional
Death appears to be the undefeated champion of human history. From Adam until now, it has claimed every human life. The widow of Nain knew this reality all too well—first her husband, now her son. Death seemed to have the final word.
But then Jesus stepped into the scene. With a touch and a command, He demonstrated something revolutionary: death does not have the final word. Jesus does. The young man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus “gave him to his mother.” In that moment, death’s claim was overturned, and hope was restored.
This miracle foreshadowed an even greater victory to come. Jesus would Himself enter death’s domain and emerge triumphant three days later. His resurrection wasn’t just a personal victory but a declaration of war against death itself. As He proclaimed in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”
This is our hope as believers. Death may claim our bodies temporarily, but it cannot claim our souls eternally. Jesus has defeated our final enemy. When we face the reality of mortality—whether our own or that of loved ones—we don’t grieve as those without hope. We grieve knowing that death’s victory is temporary, but Christ’s victory is eternal.
Bible Verse
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and
whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26
Reflection Question
How does Jesus’ victory over death change how you view your own mortality or the loss of loved ones? In what ways can this truth bring comfort to your daily life?
Quote
Death is the undefeated enemy of human history from Adam up to this point. Now it has claims and every single life, it appears through human history that death actually does have the final word in somebody’s life. But praise God, that that is not true, because Jesus has the final word.
Prayer
Victorious Savior, thank You for conquering death and removing its sting. When I face loss or contemplate my own mortality, help me to remember that You have the final word, not death. Fill me with the confident hope of resurrection and eternal life. May this hope transform how I live each day, knowing that in You, death has been swallowed up in victory. Amen.