One Last Act of Love

Scripture – Mark 15:42-47: ⁴²It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, ⁴³Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. ⁴⁴Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. ⁴⁵When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶So 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. ⁴⁷Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.

Reflection: – I find myself wondering if Jesus had talked with Joseph before He died. Clearly Jesus had made advance arrangements for His entry into Jerusalem and for the final meal He shared with His disciples. Had He also made plans with Joseph?

It looks like he was ready. He went to Pilate. He knew what materials he needed. He had (or knew of) a tomb that was ready.

Like all the others, I doubt Joseph expected anything more to happen. He just made sure Jesus got a proper burial. He did his part to give Jesus His “final” resting place.

Lord, remind me to be faithful, even when I don’t see anything more to come. Remind me you are always ready to act in surprising ways. I will trust you whether you surprise me or not today.