Thursday 10 Aug 2017

August 10: Mark 15:42-47

Key Verse: Mark 15:46
So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Devotion:
Can you imagine the state of the Jews who believed in Christ. Here He is being hanged like a common criminal, but not just that, it was the day of preparation – the day when everyone was getting ready for the Sabbath. They knew they would have to get Jesus’ body down and bury Him before the night hour, before the Sabbath legally started. Who were the people who were going to give up their Sabbath just to make sure this happened?

The current law was that anyone who touched a dead body or was even in the same tent as a dead body would be impure for seven days. And anything they touched would then be impure as well meaning they would not be able to take part in the feasts and celebrations of the Sabbath; or in other words, they would have to give up this Sabbath in order to make sure Jesus was given a proper Jewish burial.

The rush was on and not a lot of people stepped forward to fulfil the roles. But one person stood out here. Joseph of Arimathaea. He went to Pilate and boldly asked for the body of Jesus – not sheepishly or behind people’s backs, but boldly – showing everyone he cared for Christ! Pilate made sure Jesus was dead before arranging for him to collect the body. Joseph then went out and purchased some fine linen for the burial, again showing people he was caring for Christ. The disciples were not all there at this time and even Peter had denied Jesus before his death… The women were there are the cross, some mentioned by name in the bible, but presumably more who were following Christ and now publicly showing their support for Christ.

Just because this has been done and Christ is back in heaven does not mean we should stop showing others we know Christ and care for Him! Joseph and the women gave us an example to live up to. We need to be more public in our relationship with Christ. We need to allow people to see what we do for Him and with Him. Allowing people to see gives them something to look up to – the love we share with Christ for all He has done for us.

Points to Ponder:
What are you willing to do for friends?

What are you willing to publicly do for Christ?