The Burial of Jesus - Matthew 27:57-61
The Burial of Jesus
57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Reflection:
The main point of today's small lesson is that Jesus was given a decent burial. Even Pilate complied with the request. The main character today is Joseph of Arimathea. We know he had ample means, since he was able to purchase a new new tomb that had never been occupied before. Since it was even on Friday, the Jewish Sabbath had begun. Of course those who had arranged Jesus' death were most concerned that he not break out of the tomb, since Jesus had said after three days he would arise from the dead. Of course with a normal person this would be impossible, as we know from the cruel crucifixion that Jesus was most certainly dead.
And again the only ones left were Joseph of Arimathea, who we add to Simon of Cyrene and the three Mary's as the only notables around to care for the Son of God. They were sitting there opposite of the tomb, probably still grief stricken but also maybe hoping that it would be true that Jesus would rise as he had said. We will see their wish come true in the coming days. Finally, the clean linen cloth that Jesus was wrapped was according to Jewish tradition is also a reminder of the true innocence of our Lord. Though his body still lay in the tomb, he was the sinless lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. Though blood ran down his forehead from the crown of thorns, now he was washed white as snow. As we wear white robes in the traditional service it is a reminder that our faith and baptism washes away our sin and we are as white as snow.
As you begin your day reflect that through Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection we are washed as white as snow. Today is a new day. July 1st marks the beginning of the second half of 2014. As you look back on the first half what went well? Were you able to accomplish your goals? As we start a new half remember that Jesus has washed you new and white as snow. Start with a clean slate and be about what God is calling you to do at home, at work, at church and in your primary relationships. Soon the tomb would be empty a sign that Jesus was and is who he said! We count on Jesus to keep all his promises as we carry out His plan for our lives! Amen.
57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Reflection:
The main point of today's small lesson is that Jesus was given a decent burial. Even Pilate complied with the request. The main character today is Joseph of Arimathea. We know he had ample means, since he was able to purchase a new new tomb that had never been occupied before. Since it was even on Friday, the Jewish Sabbath had begun. Of course those who had arranged Jesus' death were most concerned that he not break out of the tomb, since Jesus had said after three days he would arise from the dead. Of course with a normal person this would be impossible, as we know from the cruel crucifixion that Jesus was most certainly dead.
And again the only ones left were Joseph of Arimathea, who we add to Simon of Cyrene and the three Mary's as the only notables around to care for the Son of God. They were sitting there opposite of the tomb, probably still grief stricken but also maybe hoping that it would be true that Jesus would rise as he had said. We will see their wish come true in the coming days. Finally, the clean linen cloth that Jesus was wrapped was according to Jewish tradition is also a reminder of the true innocence of our Lord. Though his body still lay in the tomb, he was the sinless lamb of God who took away the sin of the world. Though blood ran down his forehead from the crown of thorns, now he was washed white as snow. As we wear white robes in the traditional service it is a reminder that our faith and baptism washes away our sin and we are as white as snow.
As you begin your day reflect that through Jesus' death and subsequent resurrection we are washed as white as snow. Today is a new day. July 1st marks the beginning of the second half of 2014. As you look back on the first half what went well? Were you able to accomplish your goals? As we start a new half remember that Jesus has washed you new and white as snow. Start with a clean slate and be about what God is calling you to do at home, at work, at church and in your primary relationships. Soon the tomb would be empty a sign that Jesus was and is who he said! We count on Jesus to keep all his promises as we carry out His plan for our lives! Amen.
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