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1. Encounters with Jesus and the Decision to Return
For many who experience NDEs, their encounter with Jesus occurs at a pivotal moment when they must decide whether to continue into the afterlife or return to their earthly life. In some cases, Jesus is described as giving the individual a choice, while in other cases, he gently instructs them that it is not yet their time to die and they must return to life. These experiences are often described as deeply emotional, with many people feeling reluctant to leave the presence of Jesus because of the immense love and peace they feel in his presence. Those who are told to return to life often express that they were given a sense of purpose or mission to fulfill upon returning. Jesus is sometimes portrayed as encouraging the person to spread love, kindness, or compassion in the world, or to fulfill specific tasks that they had not yet completed in their earthly life.
In the NDE documentary video by Norman Van Nooy entitled Shadows: Perceptions of Near-Death Experiencers, Cindy Massey described a conversation she had with Jesus about having to return to life during her near-death experience.
2. Cindy Massey’s NDE
Describing this conversation with Jesus to others is difficult for her. She stated, “This part’s really hard. As many times as I tell it, I keep thinking I’m going to get through this [sobbing].”
Cindy told Jesus, “I want to come home now.”
“No, you can’t” He replied.
“But I don’t want to stay there anymore. I don’t like it.”
“I know that.”
“Well, I just want to come home. They are very mean down there. I don’t like it.”
“I grieve for you and what they’ve done to you. And I grieve for what they do to each other. I grieve deeply. I hurt for you and for all of you. You have to go back. You have to return.”
“Why?”
“Because you promised me.”
“But I can do it another time and another place.”
“There is no other time. There is no other place. You must do it this time. You promised.”
“Well, you don’t understand.” When Cindy looked into his eyes, she knew he did.
“You promised me, child, it would be this time. You must return but I promise you I will be back when it is time for you to go.”
“I don’t know what I am supposed to do.”
“You’ll know. You’ll know when it’s time and you’ll know what to do.'”
(Cindy Massey’s near-death experience ends here.)
