SCRIPTURE
“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 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. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 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.” Luke 23:50-53 (NIV)
MESSAGE
Joseph of Arimathea is a member of the council who secretly cared deeply about Jesus’ burial. John called him a secret disciple (John 19:38). Joseph at this moment made his allegiance clear. Joseph receives permission after Pilate determines that Jesus is dead, certified by the centurion in charge of the crucifixion (Mark 15:43-45). He then went personally to take care of the body. The burial was proof that He died. The death and burial of the Lord Jesus was the means, leading to the resurrection which ushered us into eternal life.
Legally Jesus paid the sin prize for all, but one has to personally acknowledge the finished work and by choice receive Him as the personal Lord and Savior. Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” (KJV). This is how you are born again.
PRAYER / CONFESSION
Thank You, Lord, for the burial of Jesus, which served as proof that He died, and my sin debt is fully paid. Just as Jesus’ burial marked the end of sin’s power over me, I live with the assurance that sin has no dominion over me in the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
WISDOM NUGGET
“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.” John 19:38 (KJV)
“For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” Hebrews 10:14 (KJV).