Day 38
Start with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)
Read Scripture: Luke 23:50-56 The Burial of Jesus
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Devotional:
Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and well-respected member of the Jewish Council. He also became a disciple of Jesus. Although the other disciples fled, this man took a bold stance that could have cost him dearly. He cared enough about Jesus to ask for his body so there could be a proper burial.
The tomb where Jesus laid was a man-made cave carved out of one of the limestone hills. This type of tomb would have been big enough to walk in and a large stone would have been rolled across the entrance.
Questions to ponder:
- Why do you think this man’s faith was bold enough to risk being persecuted by his own peer group?
- How can we learn from Joseph’s example? What risks are involved in serving Christ?
- Given this passage, what is the best way for you to pray today?
End with Posture of Silence and Solitude (2 minutes)
