The Burial of Jesus

42 It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45 When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

Reflection: We see the generosity of Joseph of Arimathea, who was part of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews. He wanted to use his resources to give Jesus a decent burial. Notice he was waiting for the kingdom and went in boldly as if to bring in the kingdom more quickly. Notice too Pilate noticed Joseph's sincerity and released the body after being assured he was dead. The linen cloth represents a dignified burial given in the Jewish and especially for kings.

He also presumably bought the tomb that was hewn out of the rock. Jesus who was the rock was laid to rest in a rock. So even though Joseph had a hope of Jesus rising from the dead, he made sure in the meantime he used his resources to be taken care of before the resurrection. Finally, he rolled the rock against the tomb sealing his final destination. It reminds me of the saying, "we can be so heavenly minded we are of no earthy good."

The question for us today is number one, do we long for the kingdom? Number two, do we, regardless of our worldly status willingly offer our resources to the ministry of Jesus here on earth. Even though we long for heaven some day, do we invest and offer our resources now for Jesus' sake. Despite Joseph's power and status, he boldly offered his resources for Jesus. One day Joseph would meet the Risen and Resurrected Lord and himself be clothed with the white linen robes of righteousness, but for today he rolled the stone into the tomb knowing God would roll it away as He promised!!

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