Day 40

His arrest and crucifixion...

Matthew 27:57-66 NIV84

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. "Sir," they said, "we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, 'After three days I will rise again.' So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise  his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first."

 "Take a guard," Pilate answered. "Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how." So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.

What happened to Jesus's body?

Joseph of Arimathea, rich and politically influential, took Jesus's body and placed Him in his own new tomb. What do his actions reveal about his character and heart?

What is revealed about the others we see in this passage? the Pharisees? the Marys? Pilate?

Jesus, even in death, revealed the thoughts of many hearts: His followers expressed love and faithfulness; His opponents expressed paranoia and deceit. Jesus came to change and reveal hearts. What has He done in yours? Are you the same as you were the first day you met Him? Do you find yourself wanting to put His Word to rest? Or do you look for opportunities to selflessly serve and obey?

Lord Jesus, I do not want Your life, death, and resurrection to be without effect in my life. Reveal where I am now and work in me to make me a true disciple.

But by the grace of God I am what I am,

and his grace to me was not without effect.

1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV84

Holy Land exhibit. Taken by Kathy Abbott.