Thought for Today
John 19:38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Can you imagine the states of mind for Joseph and Nicodemus on that Saturday 2025 years ago? Think about those words of John about, “fear of the Jews.” Guilt by association was a real concern. Presumed guilt in the eyes of the Jews and of the Roman authorities. We know that they were members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. Presumably, they were both wealthy men, important men, highly respected in the community. Secret followers of the now-crucified Jesus. Secret Christians. Yet they came forth in the daylight, in public, to honor their teacher. Without the proof of the Empty Tomb. In fact, they themselves had placed Jesus body in that tomb. What was going on in their minds, having now come forth publicly?
How about the remaining disciples? The women who had followed and supported Jesus, who had been at the foot of the cross as Jesus died? John tells us about the disciples in the next chapter of the gospel, “20:19 Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be with you." On Saturday, they had secluded themselves in a closed room, the doors shut “for fear of the Jews.”
We know that it was not until after the Resurrection that the truth began to be realized in the minds of many of Jesus’ followers. Luke relates to us that conversation on that road to Emmaus between the risen Christ and those 2 disciples. Read chapter 24:13-31. Take note of “30 But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place.” They had hoped. Past tense. It was not until the risen Christ sat down with them, broke the bread, blessed it and gave it to them that their eyes were opened and they understood that their hope had been realized. What was the state of their minds as they first set out on that road to Emmaus? What was the state of their minds on Saturday?
What is the state of your mind today? Are you anxious about tomorrow’s Easter dinner? Are you in a state of fear and anxiety because of something in your life or in the world around you? Are you consumed with worry?
Today, take a few minutes and read some of the post-Resurrection stories in the gospels. For me, one of the most significant theological elements of them is a recurring phrase, "Matthew 28:5 Do not be afraid. "Mark 16:6 Do not be alarmed. "Luke 24:36 Peace be with you." "John 20:26 Peace be with you."
Today, as we await the joy of remembering the Empty Tomb, do not let your minds be obsessed with all the cares of the world. Do not be consumed with worry, anxiety or fear. Dwell instead on the single, most salient aspect of our faith. Yesterday, today and tomorrow set your mind on hope. Before Jesus, most people lived their entire lives without any element of hope. Jesus brought hope into a dark, weary, fear-filled world. Now, ours is a world of hope. Yesterday, I ended a funeral service with these words from our Book of Common Worship, “In sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ . . . “
The Incarnation, Ministry, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus, the Christ, brought that “sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eternal life.” John captures that in vs. 3:16-17. God loves God’s children and God’s Creation. Tomorrow we will commemorate God’s shouted “AMEN!” We will once again be told, "Matthew 28:5 Do not be afraid. "Mark 16:6 Do not be alarmed. "Luke 24:36 Peace be with you." "John 20:26 Peace be with you."
Stay safe, bask in the peace given by our risen Lord, trust God,
Pastor Ray