Luke 23:50-56 - Jesus' Burial

We can feel the grace of God as we read the records of Christ's suffering and death. There is a sense of joy and privilege to have the Son of God paid the penalty of our sin. But for the followers of Christ immediately after the event, it was not as hopeful. They had totally missed the point. Jesus died at three o'clock in the afternoon on the Friday before the Sabbath of the Passover week. He must be buried before sunset, before the start of the Sabbath. 

In verse 50, Luke tells us that Jesus had a follower in high office. A good and righteous man, waiting for the Kingdom of God, by the name of Joseph. This man came from the Jewish town of Arithmathea. He was also a rich man. Although Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, he did not agree with their plan to put Jesus away. It could well be that the Sanhedrin executed their plan while he was absent.

But on hearing of the death of Jesus, He decided to be open about his discipleship. He went to ask for Jesus' body from Pilate. In going to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body, he had openly made known his position as Christ's follower. Because Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin, Pilate would release the body of Jesus to him. He had only a short two to three hours to get the whole burial done. So together with Nicodemus (John 19:39), he hastily wrapped Jesus' lifeless body with spice, and placed Him in his own new tomb.

The devout women who had followed Jesus all the way from Galilee, came to see where His body was laid. They also could not do much for the body as Sabbath was about to start. They then left for home to prepare spices and perfume to embalm Him later. And being Jewish, they diligently rested on the Sabbath. It was in a garden that Adam and Eve brought sin on humanity. Now in another garden, the garden tomb of Jesus, God's Son was buried to remove the guilt of sin. What matchless grace!     

None of the disciples of Jesus expected Him to rise from the dead. All that He had constantly hinted to them was lost on them. That's why they went back to prepare the spices and perfumes for His embalmment. That's also why they were caught by surprise at His resurrection. The burial of Jesus was a routine thing done to a dead. Like the disciples, it's possible for us to miss the point even though God is actively working in our midst. We could be so caught up in our routines that we miss out on the precise plan and purpose God has for our lives. Let's be alert and attentive to what God may be speaking to us, through the everyday events of life. Don't be caught by surprise. Be attentive!