“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb.” (Matthew 27:59-60)
After Jesus has died, one of his followers takes care of his body. He gets permission from the officials to bury it, after the soldiers have checked that Jesus is really dead. Because the Sabbath is about to begin, Jesus’ body has to be buried quickly and without ceremony. Will this be the end of the story, the last thing Jesus’ followers can do for him?
They seem to think so. The disciples are gathered to mourn and weep. They don’t understand why all this happened, they are confused and disappointed.
But Matthew’s account gives us a clue that this might not be the end of the story at all! He writes how Jesus’ enemies worry about what He said before He died: “After three days I will rise” (Matthew 27:63). Although the disciples don’t remember this promise, it still stands!
This Sabbath after Jesus’ death is one of mourning and weeping. But there is a glimmer of hope for those who believe in Jesus’ words.
Jesus won’t stay in the tomb forever. Do you believe his prophecy?