The Death of Death

Death smiled as his followers swept down onto the farmlands below. For centuries, he had ruled in secret over the whole world, owning all men and ending them when he chose. But his wrath had been kindled, and he was ready to destroy those who dared to resist him.

The arrows flew thick as the battle lines below met and clashed. Death’s followers far outnumbered that of the resisting forces. The distant castle would soon fall, along with all the people inside it.

Suddenly, a Man broke away from the fight and ran, His feet pounding up the hill as He screamed at Death. But Death, being immortal himself, wasn’t concerned. He reached down to strangle the Man…but found himself on his back. The Man had dropped His sword and was savagely punching Death in the face.

Death felt something he had never felt before: pain. Panicked, he thrashed and flailed to escape. But the Man, impossibly strong, wouldn’t let his neck go. Death wondered, in his last moments, if the legends were true. If he *could* be killed—and if he was—would the earth bloom in eternal springtime like the old prophecies said? Would all those who had died hating him come alive again? Would all Death had ever done be *un*done? He never found out. • Kevin Zeller

• Why is death referred to as an enemy in today’s Bible passage?

• Read John 11:25 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. What does it mean that Jesus defeated death?

• To learn more about how Jesus defeated death, check out page our “Know Jesus” page.

He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. Isaiah 25:8 (NKJV)

Read Verses:

1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 20-26