Introduction
Luke 23:44–56: Jesus is on the cross. At noon, the sky turns dark. Three hours later, Jesus calls out to God and dies. Joseph of Arimathea asks for and receives the body of Jesus. He takes the body down, wraps it in linen, and places it in an unused tomb. The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee see the tomb and how Jesus’s body is placed in it. Then they return home to prepare spices and perfumes for his body.
Today’s Key Verse: Luke 23:46a
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!”
Reading
44-45 It was about twelve o’clock when the sun stopped shining and darkness covered the whole country until three o’clock; and the curtain hanging in the Temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father! In your hands I place my spirit!” He said this and died.
47 The army officer saw what had happened, and he praised God, saying, “Certainly he was a good man!”
48 When the people who had gathered there to watch the spectacle saw what happened, they all went back home, beating their breasts in sorrow. 49 All those who knew Jesus personally, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance to watch.
50-51 There was a man named Joseph from Arimathea, a town in Judea. He was a good and honorable man, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. Although he was a member of the Council, he had not agreed with their decision and action. 52 He went into the presence of Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took the body down, wrapped it in a linen sheet, and placed it in a tomb which had been dug out of solid rock and which had never been used. 54 It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had followed Jesus from Galilee went with Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus’ body was placed in it. 56 Then they went back home and prepared the spices and perfumes for the body.
On the Sabbath they rested, as the Law commanded.
Reflect
After witnessing the death of Jesus, why does the army officer praise God (verse 47)? Joseph of Arimathea was from a small village but seems to have lived in Jerusalem. He was a respected member of the Jewish Council, so he risked his reputation by helping to give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph the courage to retrieve Jesus’s body? What gives you courage when you are called to stand for your beliefs?
Pray
Holy Jesus, you endured death on a cross to share God’s love, forgiveness, mercy, and salvation with all people. Give me the courage to live in faith and reflect your loving presence each day to everyone I meet. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Luke 24:1–12: Jesus is raised to life.
