The Three Dying Wishes of Alexander the Great: A Lesson in Life's True Value

Alexander the Great is known as one of the greatest rulers in history. Almost everyone recognizes his name; by the age of thirty, he had created one of the largest empires the world had ever seen. His conquests spread from Greece to Egypt and into the heart of Asia, establishing a legacy of power and achievement. Yet, despite his immense power and influence, Alexander's final moments on his deathbed revealed a profound truth about the nature of life and what truly matters.

When Alexander the Great lay on his deathbed, he summoned his generals. He shared his three final wishes, which were both surprising and thought-provoking:

1. The best doctors should carry his coffin.

2. His accumulated wealth (money, gold, precious stones, etc.) should be scattered along the procession to the cemetery.

3. His hands should be let loose, hanging outside the coffin for all to see.

   
   

One of his generals, puzzled by these unusual requests, asked Alexander to explain their reasoning. Alexander's answers provide timeless wisdom:

1. The Best Doctors to Carry His Coffin: "I want the best doctors to carry my coffin to demonstrate that, in the face of death, even the best doctors in the world have no power to heal." In this, Alexander acknowledged the ultimate powerlessness of human effort against the certainty of death. No matter how skilled or learned, human capability has its limits.

   
   

2. Wealth Scattered Along the Procession: "I want the road to be covered with my treasure so that everybody sees that material wealth acquired on earth stays on earth." By scattering his wealth, Alexander wanted to show that material possessions are left behind when we die, no matter how great. Earthly riches cannot accompany us after death.

   
   

3. Hands Hanging Outside the Coffin: "I want my hands to swing in the wind so that people understand that we come to this world empty-handed, and we leave this world empty-handed after the most precious treasure of all is exhausted, and that is TIME." Alexander's final gesture was a strong reminder that we enter and leave this world with nothing but the time given to us. As it says in 1 Timothy 6:7, "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." Our most valuable asset isn't wealth or power but the time we have and how we choose to spend it.

Life is fleeting and precious. Our relentless pursuit of material wealth and societal approval is only temporary. It leaves us empty-handed, echoing Alexander the Great's realization in his final moments. 

Following Jesus offers an everlasting pleasure, one that doesn't run out. The pursuit of a relationship with Christ and the treasures of Heaven is what brings true fulfillment. Jesus teaches us to store treasures in Heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20). This is the ultimate truth Alexander's story points us toward: life is fleeting, but the love and grace of Jesus are eternal.

In today’s fast-paced world, time—our most precious resource—is often wasted on superficial pleasures like social media and instant gratification. Instead of getting lost in these distractions, let’s embrace the opportunities around us. Let’s prioritize our loved ones, treasure our moments of connection, and spread acts of kindness and compassion. Let us share the Gospel of Jesus so that more people can experience everlasting joy, far beyond the earthly possessions we leave behind.