Experiencing the Tomb

Still so many memories to ponder and process about the Holy Land trip, even after being back for over a month. Two events stand out. One event was seeing an archaeological discovery of a tomb believed to be back during the era of Jesus 

The other was actually being inside a possible tomb that was Jesus' tomb. 

Experiencing these two photos, caused me to re-read the four Gospels as they record the actual burial event of Jesus.

"Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds."John 19:38-39

We see two prominent Jewish religious leaders risking their lives, reputations, families and ministries to honor Jesus by giving Him a royal burial fit for a King. After the illegal trials that the religious leaders held and the public torture and murder of Jesus by the Roman soldiers, two Jewish religious leaders took a stand to serve, care and honor their King. They had been waiting for the Kingdom of God. Unlike their colleagues, something changed in them about their view of Jesus. While their colleagues continued their plan to get rid of Jesus, this fake Messiah figure, they discovered that Jesus was the Messiah; the true King of the Kingdom of God they had been waiting for.

Joseph used his own tomb, which was newly carved, meaning that it was brand new and never used. Nicodemus brought an enormous amount of spices to help bury Jesus. The four Gospels tell us that these two Jewish leaders took the body down and away to the tomb and wrapped Jesus' dead body. Does this mean they lowered the cross? Does this they pulled the nails out of His hands and feet? Does this mean they gently removed the crown of thorns? Does this mean they carefully put their religiously clean hands on a dead corpse?

It reminds me of the gifts of the Magi and the anointing of the very expensive oil by Mary. Jesus was and is a King. Even though He was born in a barn to a peasant, blue collar family and lived frugally day-by-day, He had a royal burial. And rightfully so.

Thank You, Jesus, for all of who You are and all of what You have done. Thank You that each year we are reminded of the greatest work You have done and have ever been done during Easter week. May You help us be in awe of You again. May You help us take a public stand for You like Joseph and Nicodemus by inviting our friends and family who are distant from You to meet You. May You answer our prayers and respond to our invitation by adopting our friends and family into Your family this Easter season. May Your will be done not ours.

Praying for Jesus to continue to accomplish His mission this Easter season,
Pastor Chris

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