If you’ve ever thought that confusion about the return of Jesus is just a modern problem, then it’s time to think again! In fact, whilst it’s clear that the very first Christians expected that Jesus would return, it’s also evident that there were a range of ideas about when that event might take place. Case in point: the church in Thessalonica to whom Paul (with Silas and Timothy) wrote approximately two decades after the ascension of Jesus. Throughout the letter, Paul’s primary concern is that the Thessalonians would grow in the maturity of their faith and that their misunderstanding - that Jesus would return immediately - would be corrected. This wasn’t just an issue of theology, but also a pastoral issue for people who had lost loved ones before Christ had returned. Expecting that Jesus’ arrival was imminent, you can imagine their confusion and fear. But Paul says, don’t fear, that just as Jesus died and rose again, so too will those who have died in Christ be raised again when Jesus returns.

Note that this doesn’t mean that Christians do not grieve, but simply that we do not grieve like ones “who have no hope”. Why? Because we are confident that for all who trust in Jesus, death is not the end! There’s a reason why this passage is so common at Christian funerals today - it’s such extraordinarily comforting news! That as we await the return of Jesus, even in the face of the death of our brothers and sisters in Christ, that our grief (note, we should still grieve!) is wonderfully shaped by the anticipated future reality for which we are confident. That when that trumpet sounds, God will indeed turn tragedy into triumph and death into life, for all who trust in him. AL

Questions

Why do you think people were so confused about the timing of Jesus’ return? Are people today ever confused about the timing of Jesus’ return? How is our grief shaped by our confidence that Jesus will return?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that just as Jesus died and rose again, that we can be confident that all who die in Christ, will too be raised! Please help us to share the Good News with those who we love, that they too may share in the confidence in which we rejoice. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.