One funeral message. No grand theological insight or exegesis. I just tell the story. I know it well so I can look the mourners in the eye and tell them about Jesus. I open by asking them, what would Jesus say if He were here? What words of comfort and hope would He bring? And I tell them.
What would Jesus say if He were here? What words of comfort and hope would He bring?
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.’” (John 11:25, NKJV)
Over my decades of pastoral ministry I have conducted scores of funerals. Tim Keller, one of my profs at Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia, suggested that when we moved to a new area to take up a pastoral call it would be a good idea to connect with local funeral homes to offer our services. He said it was a wonderful opportunity to minister the hope of the gospel.
I followed his counsel. The result was that I led many funerals for my congregation and their families but many more for referrals from funeral homes. As with every pastor I have stories to tell, but perhaps another time.
