A euphemism is “a polite expression used in place of words or phrases that otherwise might be considered harsh or unpleasant to hear.” Instead of saying, “We ended our dog’s life,” we say, “We put our dog to sleep.”
In the Bible, sleep is a euphemism for physical death (Mark 5:39). When His friend died, Jesus said, “Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up” (John 11:11). Jesus wasn’t trying to cushion the harsh reality of the cessation of life. He was speaking of a new spiritual reality.
It’s been ingrained in me as a Chinese man that it’s not good to talk about death. But Jesus has made it possible for the believer in Jesus to think of it in terms of “sleep.” When told that Lazarus was asleep, the disciples thought it was a good thing. To rest is natural and normal, which is why no one calls the paramedics when you take a nap. The whole point of sleeping is that you wake up rejuvenated (John 11:12). Death for the believer is like lying down to a good long nap. You may sleep a long time, but you’ll wake up.
Jesus promised the grieving Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die” (John 11:25-26). Note that Jesus didn’t say, “I bring resurrection and life” but rather “ I am the resurrection and the life.” The answer to death is Jesus Himself. He’s the answer to death and the grave! (Revelation 1:18).
Death is something we despise for what it does—taking those we love, causing pain and grief. But because of Jesus and the promise of the resurrection, we can view it as more of a deep sleep. In Jesus, death has died! (2 Timothy 1:10).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Joshua 2:1-24
More:
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 to see what Paul says about death and Jesus’ second coming.
Next:
What gives you hope as you consider the reality of death? What does the resurrection mean to you?
Gary Shultz on February 28, 2016 at 6:36 am
K.T. as you know, we have been welded to our bodies as life began and everybody else we meet is just like us in that fact. Naturally it is a little difficult to envision that separation. We would not welcome pain or leaving loved ones; however the other fact of life as we know it “passing / death” is also very evident. Then there is God. Once again faith is pushed in front of us, Is God who He says, is what He said valid. If these truths have rooted and are grasp, we have now a great expectation. Death becomes a door God helps us through and life will be renewed by God Himself. Regardless of our worries God has His children enrolled at a heavenly address. Thanks K.T., headed there.
jim spillane on February 28, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Gary – for the non-believers, death is a chilling reminder of their mortality and the uncertainty of what will happen after, if anything. In that is the need for euphemisms, let’s not make it so scary, better yet, let’s not even talk about it. But for the believers, there is a totally different approach. We are travelers on a journey to a beautiful and wonderful home we’ve never seen before. True, the pain of leaving loved ones will be difficult for a while, but we will all be reunited again in eternity, as long as all are saved. The fear and sting of death has been removed by our Lord’s sacrifice, and to a certain extent, we almost welcome our own demise (another common euphemism). As the apostle Paul stated to the Philippians, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Please hold the door for me. Thanx.
Gary Shultz on February 28, 2016 at 4:20 pm
You bet Jim, on the other side is what God always intended for His children, Chris and the Holy Spirit await us. That is one destination I’m really looking forward to arriving. I’ll hold the door, you save a seat.