Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were present at the crucifixion and death of Jesus. Both of them were Jewish leaders. Joseph owned a tomb near the ugly scene of Friday’s events. He had it cut out of rock to be used for his own burial. They got permission from Pontius Pilate to bury the body there. No doubt a guard or two accompanied them. Jesus died at the hour of the evening sacrifice. By the time the two men got permission and placed the smitten body in the tomb, it was nearing the Sabbath day. The preparation of Jesus body according to Jewish custom could not be accomplished until Sunday. Jesus was wrapped in fine linen. Expensive spices were placed to temporarily take away the smell of death.

As our Savior lay lifeless, was this the outcome that His disciples expected? The scattered in all directions and hid. John took Mary into his home. It seemed that those three years of Jesus’ short life had been crushed by the devil himself. What occurred during the day following the crucifixion. We aren’t given any details in the Bible. Guards had been placed outside the tomb to assure that no one would try to steal the body. In the Apostle’s creed, we confess that Jesus was “crucified, died and buried. He descended into hell.” Why? Was he there to do a victory dance around the father of lies? Did Jesus lord it over Satan? Since the Bible is silent on that part of the story, we could speculate, but all we need to know is that Jesus confronted Satan. Tomorrow we will rejoice as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. Through that, we know that life doesn’t end at death. When we believe we too shall rise.

We could feel hopeless and helpless as His disciples did.  Their teacher, their brother and friend had suffered death and they were alone.  Where was the hope?  Where was the message?  How could they change the world without Him?  So many questions, doubts fears.  All they could feel was grief – a pain so deep that it was as if they had been crucified with Him. Tears spilled from their eyes – the loss – fear of the unknown – the sadness – was all being managed by the One who died upon that cross.  He carried out the work of redemption that only God in the flesh could do.  He died in our place. As we raise our alleluias, we can be confident that the risen Son of God, completed His mission.  No more will we fear death.  No more will we fear life, because He walks with us each day.  Fear and death have been swallowed up in victory!

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR EVERY DAY – HERE & IN ETERNITY!