Matthew 27:57-66 Jesus Is Buried

Here is one of the greatest stories that prove the reality of Jesus' life, ministry, and resurrection. Joseph of Arimathea requests the body of Jesus from Pilate and it is given to him. Here is a rich man who was also a disciple. Rich people can become true disciples. It is not easy, but not impossible. He was also a member of the Council (Sanhedrin) and did not agree to go against Jesus. It is also possible to work in high places as a believer. He wraps the body in a linen shroud and places it in his new tomb cut out from the rock and rolls a great stone over it to fulfill the Scriptures that he would be buried in a rich man's tomb.

It was Jewish custom to bury their dead before the Sabbath. Jesus died on the day of Preparation and the Sabbath would start at sundown that day. It was imperative to act quickly to remove the body. This may have been the reason Pilate granted the body to Joseph. Come the next day, the Pharisees want to ensure that Jesus' body is not stolen by his disciples to claim his resurrection. They had heard Jesus teach on his death and resurrection on the third day and they wanted to avoid a "fraud." The opinion of the Pharisees and chief priests has not changed about Jesus; they still believe he is an "impostor." They get Pilate to order the sealing and securing of the tomb.

The world will go to great lengths to suppress the Gospel. They hate so much the truth of the kingdom of God that they are willing to do anything to see it squelched and fail. They will lie, bribe, and manipulate whomever they can in order to put a stop to it. Unfortunately for them, the will of the Lord is fulfilled according to the Scriptures. The plans of the Lord cannot be thwarted. Woe to the ones who stand in his way. 

Where are the disciples? There is a mention of the women, but the disciples are not mentioned at all. They were terrified and hid themselves not knowing what to do next. Not understanding the meaning of his death. Probably doubting that any resurrection would take place, though Jesus had been teaching it for quite some time. Will I shrink in my faith when things get difficult? Will I hide when things look grim?

Lord, help me believe in your Word no matter what is going on in the world. Fill me with the expectation of the fulfillment of your promises. Grant me strength in the midst of opposition.