DAY FORTY – Saturday April 16, 2022 (Holy Saturday)
Matthew 27: 57-66
The Burial of Jesus
It is not difficult to understand the fear that must have gripped the followers of Jesus at the time of the trial and crucifixion. Therefore, it must have taken great courage for Joseph of Arimathea to approach Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus. In doing so, he was proclaiming his loyalty to Jesus and risking his own safety. By taking the body and putting it in his own tomb, it allowed Jesus to be buried with dignity rather than ending up in a common grave with the thieves that were crucified beside him.
The Guard at the Tomb
Even though the Chief Priests and Pharisees had witnessed Jesus being crucified, they wanted to eliminate the chance of either the disciples stealing his body and claiming he had risen, or for Jesus to actually rise on the third day as prophesied.
Beth Pereman (2017)
Matthew 27: 57-66
The Burial of Jesus
It is not difficult to understand the fear that must have gripped the followers of Jesus at the time of the trial and crucifixion. Therefore, it must have taken great courage for Joseph of Arimathea to approach Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus. In doing so, he was proclaiming his loyalty to Jesus and risking his own safety. By taking the body and putting it in his own tomb, it allowed Jesus to be buried with dignity rather than ending up in a common grave with the thieves that were crucified beside him.
The Guard at the Tomb
Even though the Chief Priests and Pharisees had witnessed Jesus being crucified, they wanted to eliminate the chance of either the disciples stealing his body and claiming he had risen, or for Jesus to actually rise on the third day as prophesied.
Beth Pereman (2017)
