Good Friday, April 7th

The Burial

Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.

Luke 23:53

Read John 19:38-42

Joseph of Arimathea was not one of the twelve, but he was a disciple none the less. He was a righteous man seeking God’s kingdom. He was also a wealthy man that had some clout in the matters of state. He was on the council, but not one who voted to sentence Jesus. Either he was absent at the late-night trial, or he was overruled by the majority.

Now that the whole matter seemed to be over, Joseph courageously marched into the governor’s palace and demanded the body of Christ. Pilate was amazed that Jesus was already dead but saw no reason to keep the corpse from the councilor.

Joseph, together with Nicodemus, retrieved the body from the cross. With respect, they prepared the body according to Jewish custom with spices and clean linen.

Not far from Golgotha was a garden in which Joseph owned a new tomb hewn out of rock. Because the Sabbath was approaching quickly, Joseph then laid the body of Jesus in the new tomb and rolled a stone against the door. This was a typical way of enclosing the tomb to keep the decay and odor in, and the animals and birds out.

A final inspection was given to the tomb by the dear women who had followed the Savior so closely on His last days. It seemed the story of Jesus the Messiah was over.

Something to think about

1. Where were the other disciples when Jesus was buried?

2. How can a person of wealth be used by the Lord?

3. Why would this normally be the end of the story?