As dusk settled over the city, a man named Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, approached Pilate and requested permission to take Jesus’ body for burial. After receiving the governor’s consent, he, along with Nicodemus, another follower of Jesus, gently took Jesus’ lifeless body down from the cross. Their hearts heavy with grief, they prepared his body for burial, wrapping it carefully in clean linen cloth and anointing it with myrrh and aloes, as was the Jewish custom.
They then carried Jesus’ body to a new tomb that Joseph had hewn out of rock, a place where no one had been laid before. The location was a garden near Golgotha, a serene spot befitting the Son of God. The air was heavy with the scent of earth and the faint fragrance of nearby flowers, a stark contrast to the disturbing events of the day. They laid Jesus’ body inside the tomb, their movements slow and reverent, the silence only broken by the occasional sigh of sorrow or a whispered prayer.
Outside the tomb, Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, who had followed Joseph and Nicodemus, watched the scene with heavy hearts. They had been there throughout Jesus’ ordeal, their presence a testament to their unwavering love and devotion.
As the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky with hues of orange and purple, a large stone was rolled across the entrance of the tomb. The sound of stone grating against stone echoed in the quiet garden, marking the end of a long and heartbreaking day. The tomb was now sealed, Jesus’ body lying in the cold darkness. However, the story was far from over. For when the dawn of the third day arrived, that stone had been rolled away, setting the stage for the greatest miracle of all.
Reflect
Reflect on the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who, despite their grief, took it upon themselves to respectfully prepare Jesus’ body for burial. What does this suggest about their character and faith, and how can you apply this level of respect and devotion in your life?
Kids Reflect
How would you feel if your best friend moved away, and you couldn’t see them for a while, similar to how Jesus’ friends must have felt when they put him in the tomb?
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