Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.
—Mark 15:47 NLT
Jesus' death was confirmed by those in authority. Jesus was buried by friends — Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:39) took him down off the cross, wrapped his body, and buried him — and his tomb was secured (Matthew 27:62-66). The women who had faithfully accompanied Jesus through his whole ordeal now saw his lifeless body placed in the tomb. His followers felt that all hope was gone. The full realization of Jesus' death had settled into the hearts of his followers. There were no doubts about any of the harsh realities of his life's end. Why is all of this so important? You can't have a resurrected Jesus without a dead Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-7).
O Father, the witness of these women helps make Jesus' death and burial emotionally and factually real to me. I can only imagine their heartbreak and their deep sense of loss. However, dear Lord, this heartbreak also makes their testimony to Jesus' resurrection even more powerful. Thank you for their faithful witness which makes the anguish they bore a reason for hope and not a hopeless end. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—Mark 15:47 NLT
Key Thought
Jesus' death was confirmed by those in authority. Jesus was buried by friends — Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:39) took him down off the cross, wrapped his body, and buried him — and his tomb was secured (Matthew 27:62-66). The women who had faithfully accompanied Jesus through his whole ordeal now saw his lifeless body placed in the tomb. His followers felt that all hope was gone. The full realization of Jesus' death had settled into the hearts of his followers. There were no doubts about any of the harsh realities of his life's end. Why is all of this so important? You can't have a resurrected Jesus without a dead Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-7).
Today's Prayer
O Father, the witness of these women helps make Jesus' death and burial emotionally and factually real to me. I can only imagine their heartbreak and their deep sense of loss. However, dear Lord, this heartbreak also makes their testimony to Jesus' resurrection even more powerful. Thank you for their faithful witness which makes the anguish they bore a reason for hope and not a hopeless end. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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