Preparation Day

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 from the centurion, he gave the corpse to Joseph. After he bought some linen, he took Him down from the cross 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 Joses were watching where He was placed. Mark 15:42-47

We know Jesus died at around three in the afternoon. Then Joseph moved into action and visited Pilate. Jesus died a lot quicker than expected. Often those crucified lingered for a few days. Yet Jesus had been flogged severely, He bore an unseen burden, our sin, and then He completed His task here and gave up His Spirit.

We see here that Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. He went boldly to Pilate. He carried himself as a leader. I wonder if Joseph was at Jesus' trial or if he had purposefully been omitted?

Another thing I find interesting Jesus' body is now spoken of in the third person, 'the corpse'. This title is so removed from who He was. The corpse is almost like: Jesus' tent needed storing respectfully, as He no longer needed it.

The body was about to reappear, with new properties, more Godlike properties. Yet today we know He would have been celebrating the Passover with His disciples and leaving for the Mount of Olives to pray, His time was at hand.

Thank You Jesus!

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