Conquering the Fear of Death Through Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Breaks the Power of Death and Sets Us Free

Through his incarnation and sacrificial death, Jesus took on our humanity to destroy the devil’s power over death, freeing us from lifelong slavery to the fear of dying. This victory is not just a theological idea but a living reality that brings courage and hope to all who trust in him. No longer do we need to be paralyzed by anxiety about what comes after this life, for our brother Jesus has faced death on our behalf and emerged victorious, ensuring that death no longer has the final word over us. [38:16]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV)
"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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: What is one specific fear you have about death or dying? Bring it honestly to Jesus in prayer today, asking him to help you trust in his victory over death for you.

Day 2: The Word Became Flesh—Jesus Shares Our Humanity

Jesus, the eternal Word, became truly human and lived among us, sharing in our experiences, struggles, and even our mortality, so that we might become children of God through faith in him. This profound mystery means that God is not distant or detached from our pain and fears; instead, he has entered into them, bringing light and life to all who receive him. Because Jesus is both fully God and fully human, he is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and offer us grace and truth in every circumstance. [24:34]

John 1:14 (ESV)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that Jesus truly understands your struggles because he became human? How might this change the way you approach him in prayer today?

Day 3: Our Common Fear and Our Common Brother

Every human being, regardless of background or belief, shares a deep-seated fear of death and the unknown, but we also share the hope of a common brother—Jesus—who has answered that fear with his redeeming love and victory. This shared humanity means that the gospel is not just for us, but for everyone we meet, and that we are called to steward this truth for the sake of others. The victory Jesus won over death is a gift meant to be shared, breaking down barriers and uniting us in a hope that transcends all differences. [43:51]

Romans 10:12-13 (ESV)
"For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

Reflection: Who in your life might be struggling with the fear of death or the unknown? How can you gently share the hope of Jesus, our common brother, with them this week?

Day 4: The Certainty of Forgiveness and Eternal Life

Because of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we can be absolutely certain that our sins are forgiven and that we have a blessed life that will never end, no matter what we have done or how we feel. This assurance is not based on our own goodness or efforts, but on the finished work of Christ, who guarantees our place with God forever. Even in moments of doubt or grief, we can rest in the promise that we are God’s own children, welcomed and loved because of Jesus. [13:49]

1 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Reflection: Is there a sin or regret you are still carrying that makes you doubt God’s forgiveness? Confess it to God today and receive his promise of full pardon in Christ.

Day 5: Stewarding the Truth for Future Generations

The truth of Jesus’ victory over death and his redeeming love is not just for us, but for all people—including those yet to be born—and we are called to preserve, protect, and pass it on. Our worship, witness, and daily lives are part of a long line of believers who have shared this hope across centuries and cultures, ensuring that the next generation can also know the freedom and courage found in Christ. Stewarding this truth means living it out and intentionally sharing it, trusting that God will use our faithfulness to reach others with his saving grace. [47:37]

Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can help pass on the truth of Jesus’ love and victory—whether to a child, a friend, or someone new to faith—this week?

Sermon Summary

Every generation, every culture, every person faces the same haunting reality: the fear of death. This fear is not unique to any one of us; it is a thread that runs through all of humanity. We sense time slipping away, we feel the weight of our failures, and we wonder what lies beyond our final breath. Some try to comfort themselves by denying any meaning to life or death, insisting that nothing awaits us after this life. Others hope that their good deeds might tip the scales in their favor, but deep down, there is no certainty—only anxiety and longing for assurance.

Yet, into this universal fear steps our common Brother, Jesus Christ. He did not remain distant or aloof from our struggles. Instead, He took on our flesh and blood, sharing in our humanity in every way. He became like us so that He could face death as we do, but with a crucial difference: by His death, He broke the power of the one who holds the power of death—the devil. Jesus’ victory is not just a theological idea; it is a living reality that has inspired courage and hope in Christians throughout the centuries. From the martyrs of the early church to grieving parents and even to those facing their own mortality today, the knowledge that Jesus has conquered death for us brings a peace and bravery that nothing else can provide.

This victory is not exclusive. The same fear that grips our hearts is present in the hearts of those outside our walls, those who do not yet know Christ. And the same Brother who has redeemed us has done so for them as well. Our calling, then, is to steward this truth—not to hoard it, but to preserve, protect, and pass it on. We are united not only with Christians of the past and present, but also with those yet to be born and those yet to believe. The hope we have in Christ is a hope for all, and it is our privilege and responsibility to share it.

Key Takeaways

1. The fear of death is a universal human experience, transcending time, culture, and circumstance. No amount of denial or distraction can fully erase this fear, because it is rooted in our awareness of mortality and our uncertainty about what comes after. Recognizing this shared fear opens our hearts to compassion for others and honesty with ourselves. [31:26]
2. Attempts to find comfort apart from Christ—whether by denying the afterlife or hoping our good deeds will suffice—ultimately leave us anxious and uncertain. Without Jesus, there is no assurance about what awaits us beyond the grave, and our efforts to secure our own destiny are fraught with doubt. Only in Christ do we find the certainty our souls crave. [34:02]
3. Jesus became our Brother by taking on our flesh and blood, not just to sympathize with us, but to stand in our place and break the power of death itself. His solidarity with us is not sentimental; it is redemptive. By dying as one of us, He destroyed the devil’s hold over humanity and set us free from slavery to the fear of death. [36:37]
4. The victory of Christ over death has inspired extraordinary courage and hope in believers throughout history. From ancient martyrs to grieving parents to those facing their own mortality today, the knowledge that Jesus has conquered death for us transforms fear into boldness and sorrow into hope. This is not a distant or abstract truth, but a living power in the lives of God’s people. [41:36]
5. The truth of Christ’s victory is not ours to keep to ourselves. We share a common humanity—and a common fear—with every person, including those who do not yet know Jesus. Our calling is to steward this truth faithfully, preserving it and passing it on, so that others may also find freedom and hope in our common Brother. [43:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[12:09] - Confession and Absolution
[15:49] - Opening Prayer
[19:19] - Ecclesiastes Reading: The Fate of All
[20:32] - Hebrews Reading: Christ Shares Our Humanity
[23:12] - John Reading: The Word Became Flesh
[26:14] - Hymn of the Day
[29:09] - The Relevance of Christian Worship
[31:26] - Humanity’s Fear of Death
[34:02] - The Futility of Hope Without Christ
[36:37] - Jesus, Our Common Brother
[39:14] - Christ’s Victory Over Death
[41:36] - Courage Inspired by Christ’s Victory
[43:51] - Stewarding the Truth for All
[47:37] - Confession of Faith: Nicene Creed
[50:25] - Prayers for the Church and World
[52:46] - Offering and Thanksgiving
[56:19] - Communion and Remembrance
[66:44] - Benediction: Go in Peace
[69:19] - Final Blessing and Closing Hymn
[71:42] - Farewell and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 2:14-18 (ESV) — 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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 2:14-15, what did Jesus do to break the power of death, and who held that power before?
In the sermon, what are some ways people try to deal with the fear of death apart from Christ? [[31:26]]
What does the sermon say about Jesus becoming our “common Brother”? What does that mean for us? [[36:37]]
How does the sermon describe the effect of Christ’s victory over death on Christians throughout history? [[41:36]]

Interpretation Questions

The passage says Jesus shared in our humanity “so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.” Why was it necessary for Jesus to become fully human to accomplish this?
The sermon mentions that even Christians sometimes feel anxious about death. Why do you think that is, even though we know the promises of Jesus? [[35:42]]
The sermon describes the devil as a “common tyrant” holding the whip of death. How does this image help us understand the seriousness of what Jesus accomplished? [[37:43]]
The sermon says the victory of Christ is not just for us, but for everyone—including those who don’t yet know him. What does this mean for how we view people outside the church? [[43:51]]

Application Questions

The fear of death is described as a “universal human experience.” When have you personally felt this fear, and how did you try to deal with it? Did you find comfort? [[31:26]]
The sermon says that attempts to find comfort apart from Christ—like denying the afterlife or hoping our good deeds are enough—leave us anxious and uncertain. Have you ever tried to find comfort in these ways? What was the result? [[34:02]]
Jesus became our Brother by taking on flesh and blood. How does it change your view of Jesus to think of him as your Brother who shares in your struggles? [[36:37]]
The sermon gives examples of Christians who faced death with courage and hope because of Jesus’ victory. Is there someone in your life (past or present) who has inspired you in this way? What did you learn from them? [[41:36]]
The sermon says we are called to “steward this truth”—not to hoard it, but to preserve, protect, and pass it on. What are some practical ways you can share the hope of Christ’s victory over death with others in your life? [[43:51]]
The preacher mentions that we have a lot in common with people who don’t yet know Jesus, including the same fears. How might this change the way you approach conversations with people who seem very different from you? [[43:51]]
Think about someone you know who may be struggling with fear, grief, or uncertainty about death. What is one thing you could do this week to encourage them with the hope you have in Christ? [[43:51]]

Sermon Clips

We have a common fear and we have a common brother. Hebrews 2 .15 talked about how people are all their lives held in slavery by their fear of death. And I think you know what that means. I think you know what it means to fear death because you are human. [00:30:00] (23 seconds) #SharedFearSharedBrother

If people do not have Jesus, what are they supposed to tell themselves? They have to lie to themselves that death is just nothing and they don't have to worry about it. Because without Jesus, what is the alternative? If you believe in a life after death and you don't believe in Jesus, well, then you have no way of knowing what that life after death will even be like. [00:32:52] (28 seconds) #FacingDeathWithoutJesus

There is simply no possible way to know for sure without Jesus whether you will experience happiness or something horrible after death. And people might hope to themselves, well, maybe I have done enough good and maybe I can do a little bit more good to secure my future after death. And maybe I can keep myself away from all this bad stuff and that will make a difference in the next life. But that's just wishful thinking. There's no certainty in that and I think people can sense that. It doesn't solve people's fear. [00:33:30] (42 seconds) #UncertainAfterlifeHope

But then our brother enters the scene. He takes on flesh and blood just like us. And why? So that he can die just like us. He becomes a brother just like us so that he can bow his head just like us to that terrible power that the devil wields. and then he breaks that power by his death. He breaks the power of him who holds the power of death. He breaks the devil's power. Our brother did it. [00:38:01] (45 seconds) #BrotherDefeatsDeath

``Death took our brother and then met God face to face. death captured our flesh and blood brother and then encountered the invincible divine spirit which broke it. Our brother bowed his mortal head to the grave and then knocked it over. Our brother bowed his mortal head to the devil's power and then disarmed him. What could be more stunningly glorious for us? His flesh and blood brothers and sisters. [00:40:05] (39 seconds) #VictoryOverDeathFear

The devil is called this roaring lion in the Bible who prowls around looking for someone to devour and that day he chose the wrong prey. He tangled with the wrong human being, our brother, and he left defanged and declawed. No human being ever again needs to fear death. Every single flesh and blood human being from that moment has been freed from the fear of death. [00:40:44] (36 seconds) #CourageInSharedHumanity

Jesus destroyed it as a human being so that we human beings can share the victory. This victory is ours. And human beings from every time and place have been inspired by by this act. It inspires a common bravery in us instead of a common fear. [00:41:20] (24 seconds) #GrievingWithFaith

and you have a lot of things in common by the way with Christians who don't exist yet people who are yet to be born with Christians who are yet to be baptized maybe people you know right now who aren't Christians yet you have a lot in common with them too picture yourself sitting next to a man on an airplane flight and just judging by the way he talks and dresses and the way he smells you're pretty sure he doesn't share your values what could you possibly have in common with that man a lot you have so much in common with that man the same fear that has stricken your heart before is a fear that he feels very personally the same brother who joined himself to you and redeemed you by taking on your flesh is his brother too his victory is for him too this fear is not just yours this brother is not just yours Jesus has answered the fear of both of you with a victory that is for the both of you [00:45:03] (77 seconds) #TruthSharedForAll

and so that's why this service we're talking about stewarding the truth as shared humanity it's because the truth is not just for us in here it's for them out there it is something that we must preserve and protect and pass down to future generations because we are talking about their fear we are talking about the fears of people out there and we are talking about their brother the brother who took on flesh to redeem them this is not just our truth this is not just our brother we have a lot in common with everyone praise God amen [00:46:19] (53 seconds) #LivingThroughBrother'sSacrifice

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