Lesson 30 Your Loved Ones Can Live Again!

[Image:] A family welcoming back a young boy in the resurrection.

[Press play to hear the MP3 of the Lesson]

Death causes much grief and sadness. That is why the Bible calls death an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26)

[Quotation] 1 Corinthians 15:26: And the last enemy, death, is to be brought to nothing. [End Quotation]

In Lesson 27, you learned that Jehovah will defeat that enemy. But what will happen to the people who have already died? In this lesson, you will learn more about another wonderful promise of Jehovah, he will bring billions of people back to enjoy life forever. He will resurrect them! Can that really happen? Will they be resurrected to live in heaven or on earth?

1. What does Jehovah want to do for our loved ones who have died?

Jehovah longs to bring people who have died back to life. A man of faith named Job was confident that God would not forget him when he died. He said to God: “You will call, and I will answer you [from the Grave].” Read Job 14:13 through 15.

[Read scripture] Job 14:13 through 15: O that in the Grave you would conceal me, That you would hide me until your anger passes by, That you would set a time limit for me and remember me! If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands. [End of Read scripture]

2. How do we know that the dead can be resurrected?

When Jesus was on earth, God gave him the power to resurrect people. Jesus raised a 12 year old girl and a widow’s son back to life. (Mark 5:41 and 42; Luke 7:12 through 15)

[Quotation] Mark 5:41 and 42: Then, taking the hand of the child, he said to her: “Talitha cumi,” which, when translated, means: “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” And immediately the girl rose and began walking. (She was 12 years old.) And at once they were beside themselves with great ecstasy. [End Quotation]

[Quotation] Luke 7:12 through 15: As he got near the gate of the city, why look! there was a dead man being carried out, the only son of his mother. Besides, she was a widow. A considerable crowd from the city was also with her. When the Lord caught sight of her, he was moved with pity for her, and he said to her: “Stop weeping.” With that he approached and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. Then he said: “Young man, I say to you, get up!” And the dead man sat up and started to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. [End Quotation]

Later, Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. Although Lazarus had been dead and buried for four days, Jesus brought him back to life. After praying to God, Jesus simply cried out toward the tomb: “Lazarus, come out!” And “the man who had been dead came out”, alive! (John 11:43 and 44)

[Quotation] John 11:43 and 44: When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” The man who had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: “Free him and let him go.” [End Quotation]

Imagine how happy Lazarus’ family and friends were!

3. What hope is there for your loved ones who have died?

The Bible promises: “There is going to be a resurrection.” (Acts 24:15)

[Quotation] Acts 24:15: And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. [End Quotation]

Those whom Jesus resurrected in the past had not gone to heaven. (John 3:13)

[Quotation] John 3:13: Moreover, no man has ascended into heaven but the one who descended from heaven, the Son of man. [End Quotation]

They were happy to be brought back to life right here on earth. Likewise, Jesus will soon resurrect billions to enjoy life forever on a paradise earth. He said that “all those in the memorial tombs” even those who may seem to be forgotten but are in God’s memory, will be resurrected. (John 5:28 and 29)

[Quotation] John 5:28 and 29: Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, and those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment. [End Quotation]

Dig Deeper

Examine the evidence from the Bible that the dead can and will be resurrected. Learn how the resurrection can bring you comfort and give you hope.

4. Jesus proved that he can resurrect the dead

Learn more about what Jesus did for his friend Lazarus. Read John 11:14, 38 through 44, and then discuss the questions that follow:

[Read scripture] John 11:14: Then Jesus said to them plainly: “Lazarus has died, [End of Read scripture]

[Read scripture] John 11:38 through 44: Then Jesus, after groaning again within himself, came to the tomb. It was, in fact, a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said: “Take the stone away.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to him: “Lord, by now he must smell, for it has been four days.” 40 Jesus said to her: “Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took the stone away. Then Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 True, I knew that you always hear me; but I spoke on account of the crowd standing around, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The man who had been dead came out with his feet and hands bound with wrappings, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them: “Free him and let him go.” [End of Read scripture]

How do we know that Lazarus was really dead? See verse 39.

If Lazarus had gone to heaven, do you think that Jesus would have brought him back to life on earth?

Play the video Jesus Resurrects Lazarus (1:16).

[Disclaimer: The following video is created by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society; however, the audio description has been added by independent blind and sighted volunteers to assist those who are blind or have low vision]

[Click for Transcript]|[Jesus resurrects Lazarus]
[On a train, a conductor wakes a sleeping passenger. The passenger checks his watch and looks surprised]
Presenter: “Just as a person can be awakened from a deep sleep, the Bible shows that it is possible to be awakened from death. Jesus did just that for his friend Lazarus.
[Text: John 11: 43, 44] [Jesus stretches out his arm]
Lazarus had been dead for four days. If some part of Lazarus had survived his death and gone to heaven, would Jesus take him out of heaven and force him to live on earth again? No. Lazarus was asleep in the grave.
[Lazarus stands up]
Jesus gave him back his life and reunited him with his family.
[Hugs his sisters]
The Bible promises a time when many people will be resurrected from the dead, just as Lazarus was. Jesus spoke of this wonderful hope when he said: “The one who exercises faith in me, “even though he dies, will come to life.”
[Text: John 11:25] [On an outdoor deck, a man gestures to his wife as she steps forward to a young woman the two women joyfully embrace]
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2017 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

[Image:] Lazarus being resurrected by Jesus while others watch in amazement.

5. Many will be resurrected!

Read Psalm 37:29, and then discuss the question that follows:

[Read scripture] Psalm 37:29: The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it. [End of Read scripture]

Where will the billions who will be resurrected live?

Jesus will resurrect many more than just the ones who worshipped Jehovah. Read Acts 24:15, and then discuss the question that follows:

[Read scripture] Acts 24:15: And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. [End of Read scripture]

Whom would you like to see come back to life?

[Image:] A father gently waking his child from sleep. Caption: Think of this: Jesus can resurrect someone as easily as a father can wake his child from sleep

6. The resurrection can bring you comfort and give you hope

The Bible account of Jairus’ daughter has comforted and encouraged many who grieve. Read that true story at Luke 8:40 through 42 and 49 through 56.

[Read scripture] Luke 8:40 through 42: When Jesus returned, the crowd received him kindly, for they were all expecting him. But look! a man named Jairus came; this man was a presiding officer of the synagogue. And he fell at the feet of Jesus and began to plead with him to come to his house, because his only daughter, who was about 12 years old, was dying. As Jesus was going, the crowds pressed in on him. [End of Read scripture]

[Read scripture] Luke 8:49 through 56: While he was yet speaking, a representative of the presiding officer of the synagogue came, saying: “Your daughter has died; do not bother the Teacher any longer.” 50 On hearing this, Jesus answered him: “Have no fear, only have faith, and she will be saved.” 51 When he reached the house, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John, James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 But people were all weeping and beating themselves in grief for her. So he said: “Stop weeping, for she did not die but is sleeping.” 53 At this they began to laugh at him scornfully, because they knew she had died. 54 But he took her by the hand and called to her: “Child, get up!” 55 And her spirit returned, and she rose immediately, and he ordered that something be given her to eat. 56 Well, her parents were beside themselves, but he instructed them to tell no one what had happened. [End of Read scripture]

Before resurrecting Jairus’ daughter, Jesus told her father: “Have no fear, only have faith.” (See verse 50.) How might the hope of the resurrection help you ...

when a loved one dies?

when your life is in danger?

Play the video The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage. How? (3:21), and then discuss the question that follows.

[Click for Transcript]|[The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage. How?]
[A young girl with red hair wearing a butterfly print blouse snuggles and giggles with her mother. Later, as she sits on her father’s lap, she playfully whisks his hair. Now on a balcony, she gazes thoughtfully. Text: Ben and Veronica Sneesby. Australia]
Veronica: Phelicity was a bright, vibrant little girl.
Ben: She was a beautiful kid, she really was. She embraced the fact that she was ill.
Veronica: She was confident and courageous, knowing that Jehovah would resurrect her.
Ben: Phelicity really enjoyed the privilege of being invited to share in the February broadcast of 2016. But sadly, just a few weeks later, Phelicity passed away. When you watch a child die in her mother’s arms, it’s the most saddening thing you’ll ever see.
Veronica: The pain and the sting of death is so strong.
[In grief she closes her eyes]
But after some time, as time goes by, the sting starts to fade a little bit into, ‘I just really miss that person.’
Ben: Simple things like setting the table, that’s when you need courage. There’s one less plate, one less fork, one less knife, one less seat.
Veronica: On the day that Phelicity died, the account of Jairus’ daughter actually helped Ben and I as parents.
[Reading Bible]
Ben: At that moment, when he was told that his daughter had died, I know how he felt. And yet Jesus said: ‘Do not fear.’ His daughter wasn’t dead. She was just asleep. After Phelicity died, we went to the very next meeting.
[Kingdom Hall]
Many of our friends, they didn’t know what to say. But they did the most important thing ever, they offered a warm embrace.
Veronica: The friends in our Kingdom Hall are like family to us. They really protected us; they comforted us. Sometimes, there would be cards.
[She reads a card]
Ben: The hardest thing for us to do after Phelicity died was to look at the resurrection hope during our family worship.
Veronica: Our children lost their sister and their friend. We were able to see the benefit, especially when we heard their private prayers at night-time. They would make expressions about the resurrection hope, and how they knew that Phelicity was safe in Jehovah’s memory.
Ben: Phelicity often said that she felt the best when she was in the ministry because she didn’t focus on her own illness. And since she’s died, we can truly understand what she meant by that.
[She conducts a study]
Veronica: Our experience with losing Phelicity has actually given us the ability to comfort other people. So, when we’re in the field and we meet people who have lost someone they love, we feel better equipped emotionally and spiritually to be able to strengthen others.
[The family in the ministry]
Ben: The expansion of our ministry has been something that we’ve really enjoyed. It keeps our minds occupied and keeps the hope more real to us. Of course, there’s always a pain that won’t go away until we get Phelicity back. But we put it in its place. We allow it to energize our family to do the things that Jehovah wants us to do. The resurrection hope is real; it’s going to happen. We just have to be patient.
[On a beach, with their three daughter and a dog, they stroll barefoot. As Ben and Veronica Walk arm in arm, their dog runs after a ball and the youngest girl cartwheels on the sand] (Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2018 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click to close]

How has the resurrection hope comforted and encouraged Phelicity’s parents?

[Image:] Collage: Scenes from the video The Resurrection Hope Imparts Courage. How? 1. A sister comforts Veronica at a congregation meeting the day after Phelicity died. 2. Veronica and one of her daughters comfort a woman by using the Bible.

[Box]

Some People Say: “The idea of a resurrection sounds too good to be true.” What do you think?

What scripture could you use to show that there is going to be a resurrection? [End of box]

Summary

The Bible promises that billions who have died will be resurrected. Jehovah wants them to live again, and he has given Jesus the power to resurrect them.

Review

How do Jehovah and Jesus feel about bringing the dead back to life?

Where will billions of resurrected people live, in heaven or on earth? Why do you say so?

What convinces you that your loved ones can live again?

Goal

If you know someone who is grieving, share the hope of the resurrection with him or her at an appropriate time. Set Other Goals

Explore

Learn what practical steps you can take to cope with grief. “Help for Those Who Grieve” (Awake! No. 3 2018)

[Click for article]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]

Can Bible principles really help someone who is grieving? When a Loved One Dies (5:06)

[Click for Transcript]|[When a Loved One Dies
[Text: When a loved one dies. A young woman walks alone through trees and greenery]
Presenter: Few things in life are more painful than the death of someone we love.
[Danielle]
Danielle: When my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I felt incredibly worried and anxious.
(Happy photo of Danielle and her father)
When he finally passed away, I had spent so much time worrying about him and thinking about him that I felt a huge emptiness. I didn’t really know what to do with myself.
[Masahiro and Yoshimi]
Masahiro: Shiho, our daughter, died from a sickness when she was 16 years old.
Yoshimi: She had a disability, so she was always with us.
(Photo of Yoshimi and her young daughter sat on her lap)
Losing someone who was always there, you know, right here in front of you, that loss can’t be expressed in words.
Presenter: If you’ve experienced the loss of someone you love, is there anything that can help ease the pain? No two people experience grief in the same way. But there are some practical suggestions that may help you. These are frequently cited by grief counsellors as being effective. Number one: Accept support from your friends and family.
Danielle: I found it difficult to accept help from others because I felt like what I was going through was so difficult that I felt like my friends wouldn’t understand. But when I reached out to my friends, they could do some of the things that I maybe had enjoyed with my dad.
(Various photos of Danille with friends)
And so, it gave me the confidence that I wasn’t going to be alone, that I had friends that could fill that hole for me.
Masahiro: Our friends sent us upbuilding messages and lots of flowers, enough to fill up this room. Friends are a big help. They truly were there for us.
[‘Two are better that one… For if one of them falls, the other can help his partner up. Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10]
Presenter: Number two: Take care of your health. Maintain a balanced diet,
[Fish, beans and rice]
stay physically active,
[Man jogs]
drink plenty of water and try to get enough sleep. This is especially important when you are grieving, because grief can be exhausting.
Danielle: I found that if I didn’t get good enough sleep, it made things a lot harder. I try to avoid being on my phone too much before bed, and I try and do things that relax me.
[On the bed she looks at a book]
Presenter: Number three: Be balanced.
[Flowers in hand a girl walks through a field]
Many find it helpful to alternate periods of grieving with breaks in their routine.
[Man photographs a sunset]
You might consider spending time with new friends, learning new skills, or just enjoying some time off.
[In the mountains by a stream people bike]
Yoshimi: While at home, I was a bit down and maybe a little pessimistic. But when I stepped outside, I noticed how nice the breeze was, and I felt so much better. Taking moments to relax works.
[‘There is an appointed time for everything… a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to wail and a time to dance’ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4]
Presenter: Number four: Help others. Many find it helpful to use some of their time to help others, including friends and relatives who are also grieving the loss of your loved one.
Danielle: Acts 20:35, where it says, “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving,” really helped me. So, I tried every day, even if it was reaching out on the phone, to do something for someone else. And I found that really helped with not just making me happy, but it helped control my anxiety too.
[Bakes cookies for her friends]
Presenter: Number five: Remember your loved one. Many find it comforting to do things that help keep alive the memory of the person they’ve lost.
(Masahiro and Yoshimi look through a photo album)
[Points to old photos]
Yoshimi: We sometimes talk about her, saying, “Shiho used to laugh if we said this” or “Do you remember she liked this?” and remembering those moments warms our hearts.
Presenter: None of these things can completely erase the pain of grief, but they may provide you with at least a measure of relief. The advice offered in this video is in perfect harmony with principles found in the Bible.
[Danielle opens a Bible]
Many who have lost someone they love have found that turning to the Bible gives them peace of mind and comfort. For more information on how the Bible can help you cope with the pain of grief, please visit our website, JW.org.
(Logo: Black capital letters JW.ORG inside a white box. Copyright 2021 Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania) [Click too close]

How can children cope with the death of a loved one? The Ransom (2:07)

[Click for transcript]|[Coming soon] [Click to close]

Will anyone be resurrected to heaven? Who will not be resurrected? “What Is the Resurrection?” (Web article)