Matthew 27:57-66
Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.
After sundown, the high priests and Pharisees arranged a meeting with Pilate. They said, “Sir, we just remembered that that liar announced while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will be raised.’ We’ve got to get that tomb sealed until the third day. There’s a good chance his disciples will come and steal the corpse and then go around saying, ‘He’s risen from the dead.’ Then we’ll be worse off than before, the final deceit surpassing the first.”
Pilate told them, “You will have a guard. Go ahead and secure it the best you can.” So they went out and secured the tomb, sealing the stone and posting guards.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
In John 19:30 (NLT), we read…”When Jesus had tasted it, he said, ‘It is finished!’ Then he bowed his head and released his spirit.” But it was not “finished”…the literal act of dying is never the end. I remember distinctly when my grandmother died last year...on a Friday night. The coroner and his deputy happened to be dear friends who loved Mam-ma Polly like their own grandmother. They came and got her body and took it to the funeral home for embalming and preparation. I knew in my heart that each task they performed…every touch of their hands…would be a loving gesture. I believe it was the same for Joseph of Arimathea…one of Jesus’ followers. I know it was that way for Mary Magdalene, and Mary – Jesus’ aunt. I know that they waited…hoping to have a chance to add their own “touches” to what Joseph had done as he wrapped Jesus’ body in oil-laden linen strips.
I remember that the day after my Mam-ma Polly died was a whirlwind of appointments to make funeral arrangements, visits with family members and friends, and time spent at my computer collecting information and photos for the obituary and funeral service. I don’t remember every minute detail of that day and the days after…but I know they were full and left me little time to think and “stew”. It felt like I was on “auto-pilot” as others around me did the things that provided the supporting structure, while I focused on just getting things done and making it through the day.
In the midst of their grief and sorrow, I know that even Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ Aunt Mary wanted to stay “busy”…I get that. It helps to have something to do in those next few hours/days…making arrangements, greeting those who come to extend condolences, and more. Many people really don’t want to be alone in their thoughts…at least not initially. It’s often far too painful. I believe the “busyness” that comes after someone dies is in some way God’s design to shield and shelter us from the profound grief that would overcome us otherwise. So Mary Magdalene and his Aunt Mary got busy…they focused on waiting and watching near the tomb. They made it their mission to supervise – as best they could – every single facet of Jesus’ burial. They involved themselves in the details.
Today, as you reflect on the crucifixion and the events of “yesterday” – Good Friday – think about the day after the crucifixion and all of the people who were ministering to Jesus and his family members in ways great and small. More importantly, think about how God cares about every minute detail of your life…even the “busy work”. Thank Him for loving us in such a way that even in our deepest sorrow or on our worst day, He orchestrates the particulars of our life and pulls everything together. In the most profound way, God is always with us to support us and keep us from collapsing under the weight of our burdens and challenges. Nothing is ever too big for God to handle.
And so today - the day after Good Friday - we sit by the tomb and wait. We go about our day with a Supernatural strength and courage…an inexplicable and unspoken assurance that all is well…and a confidence that “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). As you “sit by the tomb” today, think of all that God does for you…from the largest sacrifices of Jesus on the cross to the tiniest unrecognized gestures of each and every day…and be eternally grateful for such unimaginable, unconditional, inexplicable love and care. It’s only Saturday…the best is yet to come! Are you watching and waiting?
©2014 Debbie Robus
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