The Burial
When it was already evening, because it was preparation day (that is the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Sanhedrin who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, came and boldly went to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. Pilate was surprised that He was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him whether He had already died. When he found out form the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some fine linen, he took Him down and wrapped Him in the linen. Then he placed Him in a tomb cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb. Now Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jesus were watching where He was placed. Mark 15:42-47
Joseph is a man of much speculation. The gospels refer to him as a believing member of the Sanhedrin yet there is much colourful tradition surrounding his life as a Christian. The English believe he was responsible for the gospel first arriving in England, yet other historical records show that it did not come until the 6th century. Tertullian, one of the early church fathers did mention England being evangelised.
Tradition also links Joseph to the Holy Grail, the supposed cup of Christ. I am sure that this leader would not be concerned with speculation and stories, rather action. He was intimidated by his colleagues in the Sanhedrin, as he came secretly and Nicodemus also came with herbs and spices for burial, yet he boldly asked for Christ's body.
The behaviour of all the players in this chapter of the gospel show that they did not expect Jesus to rise again. They has seen the brutality of the Roman crucifixion and did not see anyone survive. Although Jesus said He would rise again, they saw finality and were unsure.
What a surprise awaited them. What joy was coming their way.
When all appears lost for us, God sees another picture, He has a plan for 'joy to come in the morning.'
Joseph is a man of much speculation. The gospels refer to him as a believing member of the Sanhedrin yet there is much colourful tradition surrounding his life as a Christian. The English believe he was responsible for the gospel first arriving in England, yet other historical records show that it did not come until the 6th century. Tertullian, one of the early church fathers did mention England being evangelised.
Tradition also links Joseph to the Holy Grail, the supposed cup of Christ. I am sure that this leader would not be concerned with speculation and stories, rather action. He was intimidated by his colleagues in the Sanhedrin, as he came secretly and Nicodemus also came with herbs and spices for burial, yet he boldly asked for Christ's body.
The behaviour of all the players in this chapter of the gospel show that they did not expect Jesus to rise again. They has seen the brutality of the Roman crucifixion and did not see anyone survive. Although Jesus said He would rise again, they saw finality and were unsure.
What a surprise awaited them. What joy was coming their way.
When all appears lost for us, God sees another picture, He has a plan for 'joy to come in the morning.'
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