Jesus says that Lazarus had fallen asleep. This was His way of saying that Lazarus had died. He is not saying that his soul was asleep, but only his body. When we die as Christians, Ryle says, “It is sleep, and not annihilation.” We pass into glory. Final victory is won for the believer and they enter paradise. Jesus would later tell the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Christians have nothing to fear in death. It is our great enemy that Christ has conquered by His death and resurrection from the dead.
The disciples did not understand what Jesus was saying, so He tells them plainly, “Lazarus is dead.” He alludes that He is going to do a work that will help them believe.
Are you scared of death? Do you know that Jesus won your victory over death?
Consider: 1 Corinthians 15:56-58
