"Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and place it in his own new tote that her had cut out of rock." (Matthew 27:59 NIV)
My sweet friend mentioned it the other day: how Jesus’s life been bookended by Josephs. At the beginning and the end, there had been a Joseph to look after His needs and protect His honor.
If we flip back to the start of the story, we see how Jesus could have been born out of wedlock. (Matthew 1:18) The betrothed of Mary had it in his head to cast her aside quietly. An angelic dream convinced him otherwise and Joseph’s commitment to an unborn Christ actually served to legitimize His birth.
And here, at the very end of the same gospel, another Joseph stepped in to protect the body and reputation of Christ. Jesus had died an undeserved criminal’s death and criminals were not honored with a proper burial. In an uncharacteristic measure of mercy, Pilate released the body to a member of the Jewish Council who was still looking for the Kingdom of God. This second Joseph honored the body of Jesus by giving Him a king’s burial: fine linen, seventy-five pounds of spices and a newly-cut tomb.
As we sit in the silence of holy Saturday, we might wonder what we can do to honor the reputation of Jesus today. We could certainly keep from wielding His name as a curse. We could share our faith plainly. We could guard our witness carefully. We may not have a tomb to hand over but we do possess plans and resources that could be made available to the Kingdom. Any and all of these things honor and protect the body of Christ and preserve His leadership in our lives.
"Instead you must worship Christ as the Lord of your life. And if someone asks you about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it." (1 Peter 3:15 NLT)
Lord, we are convicted and inspired at the same time. The Josephs took considerable personal risk to protect and honor You. We tend to keep a low profile with our faith. Please forgive us and invigorate us for Kingdom’s sake. May we look for ways to serve You today. Amen.