Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.
Key Thought
Jesus’ death was confirmed by those in authority. Jesus was buried by friends — Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus [1] took him down off the cross, wrapped his body, and buried him — and his tomb was secured. [2] 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 first having a dead Jesus. [3]
[2] Matthew 27:62-66.
[3] 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.
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