Jewish tradition holds that the soul hovers near the body and mourning for 3 days as it is believed within the 3 days the Soul could reenter the body and individual be resurrected. This is the why it was so important that Lazarus had been in the grave For four days. He was dead dead.
Personally, while I have no way of affirming this belief, I believe this fourth day tradition was in place so that when when Messiah came and Was ressurected after 3 days and 3 nights, the FOURTH DAY, that would be yet another sign that He was who he said he was. In Jesus own words, he said he would be like Jonah who was in the belly of the big fish for 3 days and then “ressurected.”
Thus, that Jesus resurrection from the dead onthe 4th days was seen as so amazing and a key to so many Jews of the time believed He was who ahe said He was.
So what? What does this have to do with me and my faith?
Understanding this is all the more reason for us to be grateful that the Father blinded the eyes of most of the Jews so that their loss could be our gain. Their denial of Him opened the way for you and I to be brought into the fold.
Second, following that tradition, that also gives clarity to Jesus statement to John in Revelations.
“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.] I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” Revelation 1:17-18
Jesus truly did overcome Death. Just like Lazarus He was Dead Dead, BUT came back to life and walked, talked, and taught before he finally ascended. (The timing of His assention is a whole other lesson in Jewish tradition regarding ones death and the separation of the body and the soul.
Finally, no matter how dire your circumstances or unimaginable huge your dreams, the Truth is what Jesus said,
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
If we walk with and trust in Him NOTHING is impossible for us!
Our Savior and Lord truly defeated Death and Sin with it.
Gary Tidwell 10.19.2024