Why can’t I find much about funerals in the Bible?
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Q: People are getting away from funerals these days, saying that they are too morbid, too time-consuming and too costly. Instead of burying people as traditionally done, the new fad is cremation, filling an urn with ashes, and then eventually scattering the ashes across gardens and bodies of water (hard to believe this is healthy for the living!). But I can’t find much about funerals in the Bible. Why is this? – F.F.
A: One of the most significant funerals in the Old Testament is that of Jacob (known as Israel). Joseph, his son who served Egypt’s pharaoh, asked permission for a leave to bury his father. Pharaoh agreed, sending his servants and elders of the land. The Bible called it a “very great gathering,” and Joseph’s father was buried in the land of Canaan (see Genesis 50).
The New Testament speaks of the funeral of Lazarus, where Jesus called to Lazarus – already in the tomb four days – saying with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And Lazarus was raised to life (see John 11).
For believers, funerals are important opportunities for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A Christian funeral should be a coronation ceremony, a statement to the world about eternal life. A funeral service may grip the heart of the unsaved with fear, but they just may hear the voice of God calling to them to be raised to spiritual life and serve the Lord the rest of their days. “He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me … has passed from death into life” (John 5:24, NKJV).
Everyone should make this their goal in life – to know where they stand before God in Heaven. Jesus urged people to prepare for death, which is certain to come. Christians don’t have to fear death because they know that “neither death nor life … shall be able to separate us from the love of God” (Romans 8:38-39, NKJV).
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
©2025 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(c)2025 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
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