Ephesians 4:7-10
"He descended to the dead."
Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it is said,
“When he ascended on high he made captivity itself a captive;
he gave gifts to his people.”
When it says, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.
Ephesians 4:7-10
In this passage Paul quotes from Psalm 68:18 to describe the descent of Jesus in birth and death and the ascent of Jesus in resurrection and glory.
Elsewhere, Paul writes that “the last enemy to be destroyed in death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26) How is death an enemy?
How does knowing that Jesus experienced death offer comfort?
“He made captivity itself a captive” might be rephrased as, “he brought death to death.” What things speak of death in your life or in the world today? As you think of these things, reflect on the promise that death itself will someday die. Pray about this. Who can you share this good news with this week?
PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
O Lord, so much speaks of death in the world: sickness and disease, division and destruction, depression and burnout, even our own hearts feel dead sometimes. Help us to remember that you descended to the dead and dwell with us still and help us hold on to hope that death is not the end. Amen.