Did Jesus say anything about death being sleep?

Answer:
Yes, He did. There were two particular times he said it. One was in Mark 5:39 (also recorded in Matthew 9:24 and Luke 8:52):

And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

The other is in John 11:11-13:

11 These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep.
12 Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well.
13 Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep.

Saint Paul adopted this metaphor and used it several times in his writings in the New Testament:

1 Corinthians 11:30; 15:51; 1 Thessalonians 4:14; 5:10;
First answer by ID1218472603. Last edit by ID1218472603. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question].