Meditation

Reader,

After the climactic and turbulent events of the crucifixion, Luke ends his narrative with the distinctly quiet and dignified description of Jesus' burial, which we'll copy out today.

Luke describes Joseph in unusual detail, providing his name, his role and high position in society (member of the council), his character (good and upright), his dissent, where he is from, and his ultimate hope (in God).

In so doing, he provides the explanation for why and how he has the belief, courage, and desire to go to Pilate to request Jesus' body and provide a dignified burial.

After the clamor of the crucifixion, the drawing on of the sabbath means he has to act quickly, and this passage shows he also acts calmly.

Today's text is Luke 23:50-56

The Burial of Jesus

⁵⁰ Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, ⁵¹ who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.

⁵² Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. ⁵³ Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. ⁵⁴ It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

⁵⁵ The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.

⁵⁶ Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Encouragement

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:58

Andy

God's Word In Your Hand