Study 47
Laid in a tomb
Read Mark 15v40-47
The disciples all made great claims as to how they would stay with Jesus (Mark 14:31) but when it came to the crunch, only this group of women had the courage to even watch from a distance. Their names are recorded because of their courage and godliness. God remembers and records even
the smallest tasks done for Him. Now we see the bravery and faith of this man Joseph of Arimathea, a man who had money and popularity but who risked it all for God's kingdom.
Pilate was surprised at the speed of Jesus' death. People usually took two or three days to die with a crucifixion. But the death of Jesus was a violent one. Not only did he suffer physically but he endured the unimaginable punishment for sin.
Dead and buried
God had even chosen beforehand a man to arrange Jesus' burial; "He was assigned a grave... though he had done no violence nor was any deceit in his mouth." (Isaiah 53:9). Joseph takes the lifeless body of Jesus, wraps it in linen and places it in a cave. A stone was placed over the entrance to ensure that the stench following decomposition would not escape. Jesus really died on that day. There was a terrible finality to it all.
Time to think
- What evidence is there that Jesus really died?
- Would you have had the courage of Joseph?
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