The Grave

3-26-2014           Matthew 27:55-61

S.            55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: 56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children. 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.

O.           Important women are witness to the death of Jesus. His body is placed in the tomb of a friend and follower then closed with a great stone.

A.           What was it like to witness this horrible execution? How did these disciples face their loss? Their world was turned inside out in less than one day. The healing, teaching, caring, loving leader of their faith was dead and buried. Shock, fear and un-belief must have overwhelmed them all. They gathered with each other to face an extremely uncertain future. I must keep my faith strong in terrible times of testing. I must assemble with other believers for their help and support.

P.            Father; I will never face the tests and trials that those first disciples went through because that work was finished on the cross. In my time of testing, please, send me brothers and sisters that will support, lead and love me through to victory. Bless the workers in your field with strength and courage. Send me to hurting souls….I know pain……and I know you. Amen.