The Message Christ Never Preached

Eastford Baptist Church
June 22, 2006

“The Message Christ Never Preached”

“Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out – the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her. When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.” Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him aback to his mother. They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.” This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.” (Luke 7:11-17)
A couple of days ago as I was setting up my desk after moving into our new home, I ran across a folder of sermons that I have preached at funerals over the years. As I took a moment to browse through the folder, I began to recall some of the people who have now gone home to be with Christ. As their faces began to fill my mind, I thought of what a privilege it has been for me to be able to give a word of hope through the gospel to each one of those families. Funerals will always be among the most the most difficult moments we will face in this life, but through the resurrection of Christ there is hope and joy that cannot be found anywhere else.
Marriages and funerals will always be part of a minister’s duties. But while these events may occupy a pastor’s call to service have you ever considered that Jesus, our great High Priest, never conducted a funeral? A marriage yes, but a funeral, no!
I remember the very first time when I was asked to officiate at a funeral. It was my first time preaching at such an event and I attempted to prepare with agonizing difficulty. I decided to search the Gospels to discover how Jesus had preached funerals. But to my amazement, my examination couldn’t produce one funeral that Jesus preached. Why didn’t Jesus preach a funeral? It was because of who He was. Jesus is the “resurrection and the life,” and death couldn’t abide in His life-giving presence! The profound fact of Christ’s earthly presence 2000 years ago is this: Nobody died and remained dead in His presence.
In the passage above, Jesus was traveling through the city of Nain with his disciples and he interrupts the funeral of a widow’s son. Death at this point had already claimed the boy. Surely the greatest preacher who ever lived would have some comforting words for the boy’s grieving mother. But no funeral message would be preached this day! In his compassion he says to the mother, “Don’t cry.” And in his power he says to the boy, “Get up!” When He leaned over the casket and touched the boy, death fled and life surged! No need for a funeral sermon!
The same is true when Jesus finally arrives (several days late!) for the funeral of Lazarus. Surely the greatest preacher who ever lived would provide a stirring message of comfort for those who were grieving. But again – no funeral message is given. In His compassion He weeps with Lazarus’ sisters. And then, in His power, comes the command for Lazarus to rise up out of his tomb. Lazarus sheds the grave clothes, and begins to enjoy his second life.
Jesus never preached a funeral message because in His presence death has been completely stripped of its power. Real abiding hope and comfort comes in the midst of grief for everyone who trusts in His name. The only thing left to do is to bow and worship the one who has power to raise us to life again. Praise God for His miraculous love!
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25
Giving Him the Praise,

PT