Fear Of Death

Since the children share in blood and flesh, Jesus likewise shared in them, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the Devil, and free those who through fear of death had been subject to slavery all their life. Surely he did not help angels but rather the descendants of Abraham; therefore, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every way,

that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest before God to expiate the sins of the people.

Because he himself was tested through what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested. (Hebrews 2:14-18)

Jesus destroyed the Devil according to this reading from Hebrews.  By Jesus’ death the Devil was destroyed.   As a consequence, we were freed from the fear of death, so says the author of Hebrews, and our Church.   Truly?

Believing that the Devil has the power of death seems to give this creature too much power.  It instills in us a great fear of the Devil who constantly lurks to enslave us.

Perhaps a better way to define “fear of death” is fear for our soul that can be enslaved by greed, lust, anger, jealousy, hatred, and self-pity.   These are sins.  Jesus frees us from these sins and saves our souls when we understand and truly follow his teachings.

Jesus was tested; he suffered.   The same happens to all of us every day.   He destroys the Devil that lurks and can hold power over us when we allow the little deaths to control us – especially failure to love others and ourselves.

Deacon David Pierce