57As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and 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. 61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
Thoughts: Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy man. Isaiah 53:9, speaking of the Messiah's death mentions that he would be assigned a tomb with the rich. Mark 15:23 points out that Joseph was a part of the council (the Sanhedrin) and Luke adds that he did not consent to their sentence. His vote made him stand out. But he was willing. We should be willing to stand out for what is right as well. As the church tries to be nice and fit in it will never stand out (you cannot fit in and stand out at the same time- Deshaun Watson). He was willing to ask Pilate for the body. This is in sharp contrast to Peter who would not be identified ith Christ. Joseph could have lost everything. Instead, his name goes down in history.
Mary and Mary saw where Jesus lay. Why is this important ? They came back the next day and they knew where they were going. People don;t forget where their loved one is buried. Jesus burial is important. It showed he was human and really did die.
Prayer: Lord, give me faith to stand out. Keep me from burying my faith in order not to offend anyone.
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