God did not create us to die.
When Yoda tells Anakin in Star Wars Episode III that “death is a natural part of life” and we should “rejoice for those who transform into the Force,” this contradicts Christian understanding of death’s origin and meaning.
The prequels’ portrayal of Yoda advising Anakin to “train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose” and not mourn the dead differs drastically from Jesus’ example in scripture.
In John 11, Jesus approaches Lazarus’ tomb four days after his death.
Instead of telling the mourners that death is natural or that Lazarus has “become one with the universe,” Jesus acknowledges their grief. He weeps alongside them.
In this moment of sorrow, Jesus makes a profound statement to Martha: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die yet shall he live. And everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
This reveals several truths:
☑️ Death is not our intended end
☑️ God created humans for life, not death
☑️ Physical death isn’t final
☑️ Christ conquered death through his resurrection
Christians believe Jesus came to sacrifice himself for our sins and overcome death.
Even though we die physically, and we mourn when someone dies, there is a promise that God has made to us in Christ of everlasting life, a promise that we will not die eternally.
Despite human sinfulness — which causes both physical death and separation from God — Christ rescues believers from eternal death.
Through faith, Christians receive the promise of resurrection and eternal life in Christ.
Contributor Chad Hoover is the Campus Pastor at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
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