Finding Hope in Death: Lessons from the Cross

 “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit.”

Matthew 27:50

Dear Friends,

Death touches every life. We will all face it - our own, and that of those we love. How we respond to this heartbreaking reality often depends on our relationship with the person and the circumstances surrounding their passing.

Two Personal Journeys Through Loss

I have twice sat at the bedside of a loved one in their final hours. Both times left a lasting impact, though in very different ways.

When I arrived at the bedside of my grandmother, she was still alert and able to speak with me. But within a short time, her strength faded. She closed her eyes and quietly slipped into eternity. At 99 ½ years old, her death was expected, and her passing peaceful. I prayed as she entered the arms of her Savior, and the room seemed wrapped in a holy hush.

Some years later, I sat by my father’s side as he struggled for every breath. Only a week earlier he had been healthy, but a sudden battle with COVID changed everything. That final night, I lay on a hard hospital couch, listening to his laboured breathing, aware that each breath could be his last. Then, in just a brief second, all was quiet - and I sat in silence mourning, praying, and picturing him with Jesus. 

Different Responses to the Same Grief

In both cases, I returned home grieving. Yet I noticed how others around me - nurses, doctors, undertakers  - responded differently. For them, it was part of their daily routine. But for my family and me, life would never be the same.

The Day Jesus Died: Reactions and Reverberations

The crucifixion of Jesus also stirred a wide variety of reactions. Reading Luke’s account, I’m struck by how people, and even creation itself, responded to His death. The sun stopped shining. Darkness covered the land.

Some bystanders heard His cry to the Father and paused. One offered sour wine; others misunderstood His words and waited to see if Elijah would come.

At that very moment, miles away, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom symbolizing that the barrier between sinful humanity and a holy God was removed. The earth shook, rocks split, tombs opened, and saints rose from the dead to appear in Jerusalem.

Even hardened soldiers trembled. The centurion and his men, shaken by the earthquake and other signs, began to question everything: “Truly this was the Son of God.”

Centuries Later: Why the Cross Still Matters

Centuries later, the impact of that day still remains. Some ignore it. Others read the eyewitness accounts in Scripture and find their hearts softened by God’s Spirit. Those who believe experience their own miracle: sins forgiven, the curtain separating them from God torn down, and new life in Christ.

This new life changes everything - including how we see death. We still grieve, but not without hope. We know death has lost its sting. Sorrow becomes the doorway to eternal joy. We look forward to reunion with our loved ones, and most of all, eternal life in the presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Finding Hope in Death Through Christ’s Resurrection

Maybe today you are mourning the loss of someone dear, or perhaps you are facing your own mortality. Your response depends on your connection to Jesus and your identification with His death and resurrection. Finding hope in death comes through Jesus. 

Friend, don’t face death - or grief - alone. Look to Jesus, the Son of God, who died and rose again. He longs to walk with you through sorrow and lead you safely home. In Him, every tear will be wiped away, and eternal life is yours. Believe in Him today, and find hope, peace, and life in His name.

Love,

Mama

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