311. Burial

Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Zechariah 13:1-6; Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42; Galatians 3:13-14

Key Verse: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is anyone who is hung on a tree." (Deut. 21:22-23) He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

Galatians 3:13-14

Now we see the benefit of four gospels. If we piece together the different accounts of Jesus’ death and burial, we learn a great deal. Joseph of Arimathea was rich, a member of the Sanhedrin, a secret disciple of Christ who did not vote for or support Jesus’ death. He was probably infuriated at the way his fellow Jews had treated Jesus and thus went boldly to Pilate to retrieve Jesus' body. Being a good Jew, however, with evening approaching, he had to act quickly and could not be choosy about where Christ was buried, thus, the tomb, in the garden, near the crucifixion would have to serve.

Scripture says that this was Joseph's own tomb. Had it been his own tomb all along or had he bought it for the occasion? This is not known. What is known is that burial tombs were very expensive and, since, according to law, no mixing was allowed, (no mixing of animals in plowing, clothes, such as wool and linen, crops), in Levitical law, there was also no mixing of unrelated people at burial. Once Jesus was placed in that tomb, Joseph, himself, would not be using it. This was a huge financial sacrifice on his part.

Only in the gospel of John, do we learn of Nicodemus' role in any of this. Did he become bold, as Joseph had, at this obvious injustice? Were these two men full of regret that they had not defended Jesus sooner, or did they have a "woe is me" attitude of, I can't do anything to stop this, but I can be part of the clean up afterwards?

The women too, curbed their devotion with the demands of the Law. They watched from a distance what the men did with the body. They observed where it was placed, but the sun was setting, signaling that Sabbath was beginning. They dare not break the Sabbath law. They all left, the burial unfinished. It would have to wait for another day.

Jesus had said to a would be follower earlier, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head." (Luke 9:58) Even His tomb is borrowed and apparently chosen for convenience. Yet, even in this, scripture is fulfilled. (Is. 53:9) Also, how different from our attitude today of seeking out burial plots, thinking of them as our one permanent abode.

He became a curse for us by being hung on a tree. (Deut. 21:22-23) And who did this to Him? We did. And the wounds that we created will always be recognizable to us. ""If someone asks Him, "What are these wounds on your body?" He will answer, "The wounds I was given at the house of my friends." (Zech. 13:6) Remember, Jesus called us "friends." (John 15:14-15) By believing in Jesus, we receive His forgiveness, but we must also recognize that, though He regards us as His friends, we proved to be fair weather friends, since we also played a part in His crucifixion, death and burial. When He hung on that tree, He received the curse that we deserved.

Do these thoughts make you uncomfortable? As you probably already know, this isn't the end of the story. However, is contemplating just how much you are loved, undeservedly, for one day, or even a few, such a bad thing? May these few days help us all to grow in appreciation of who we truly are and what has truly been done for us.

Hymn: "Were You There"