Rick Warren (April 5, 2025) Daily Devotional: Jesus Saves You from the Fear of Death.
“The Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” Hebrews 2:14-15 (NLT)
Death is a universal fear. Nobody is exempt from it!
But did you know Jesus saved you from that fear? That’s right—Jesus didn’t just save you from your sin. He also saved you from the power and fear of death.
“The Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15 NLT).
Yesterday we looked at the word Jesus shouted immediately before he died on the cross: “Tetelestai!” It’s a Greek word meaning, “It is finished,” and it was his battle cry. It meant that he had defeated death. He had proven to us that we don’t have to be afraid of death—because he was about to come back to life.
In John 11:25, Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying” (NLT). Death is not the end. You don’t have to fear it anymore.
Because Jesus died on the cross in my place, I am not afraid. Death does not have power over me. I know death is just a transfer, and I know where I’m going when I die. It can be the same for you too—when you trust Jesus as your Savior.
Romans 5:17 says, “For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ” (NLT).
When you become a Christian, you die to sin and are raised to new life, confident that one day you’ll live with Jesus forever. It’s the best thing that could ever happen to you!
Do you have that confidence in Jesus already? Now you can live your life helping other people have that same assurance. As you talk about death and life in Jesus, your story can make other people want to trust Jesus as their Savior too.
Talk It Over
- What aspects of death do you fear? How does today’s Daily Hope devotional help you with those fears?
- Is it difficult for you to talk about death? Why or why not?
- How does the way you talk about life and death point others to Jesus?
