Jesus’ soul after death
Hello. I was wondering if I could get some references to where Jesus went when he died. I am having a discussion with a friend who is a Jehovah's Witness. Thanks for the help
On the cross, Jesus told the repentant thief: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). At death, the body and soul separate. When death took place later on Good Friday, the body and soul of both Jesus and the repentant thief separated. Their bodies remained on earth, while their souls entered paradise, heaven. Recall that just prior to his death, Jesus cried out: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
While the body of the repentant thief remains in some form on the earth and his soul is in heaven, Jesus’ body (which did not decay—Acts 2:31) and soul were reunited “on the third day,” just as Jesus had said numerous times (e.g., Matthew 16:21; 17:23).
So, after Jesus’ death and until his resurrection on the third day, the Lord’s soul was in heaven.
Do be aware that Jehovah’s Witnesses have wrong ideas about Jesus’ body after his resurrection. This link will explain some of those false ideas.
God bless your witnessing efforts!