Death is Not to be Feared

Scripture: Luke 18:31-34

Illustration: “O, Freedom”—African-American Spiritual

Meditation: Maybe you have heard some version of this: Jesus came to die for the sins of the world. I’ve always wrestled with this view, because it seems to place more value in Jesus’ death, than in the life he lived. I have come to believe, instead, that his death at the hands of the Empire was not the purpose, but rather the consequence of a life lived resisting the powers that would enslave us all.

If not a consequence, then certainly a risk. And, as this passage reveals, death was a risk he embraced, and did not run away from. Some things, it seems, are worth dying for. The slaves who risked their lives on the Underground Railroad, or in open rebellion, knew that. The activists across race who died fighting for desegregation, voting rights, and equity knew that. Children, youth, men, and women around the world today, who die defending their communities against military regimes know that.

As we move closer to Holy Week, Jesus shows us that death is not to be feared. It is something to be prepared for, on our journey toward liberating and liberated lives.

Reflection: What, in your life would you be willing to die for?

Author: Reggie Weaver—voting rights activist. mystic. Listener.

These Black Lent devotionals were originally curated by IG: goodneighbormovement.