What I find so amazing is how God orchestrated these things to make sure we know Christ rose from the dead.
- For Pilate to allow Joseph of Arimathea to have the body of Jesus was unheard of. No criminal hung on a cross was to be given a decent burial! Had Jesus been dumped in a criminal graveyard; likely a mass grave, there would have been no way to see that the body was gone.
- The disciples seem to have forgotten that Jesus told them He would rise again after three days, but the Pharisees didn't. They asked for, received and placed a guard on Jesus' tomb to stop the disciples from stealing the body. In doing so, we can be certain the disciples did NOT steal the body!
- Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (John 19:39) put Jesus in the tomb. (vs61) "And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb." This gave us at least four people outside the Pharisees and guards who clearly knew where Jesus was buried. This ensured the tomb wasn't mistaken or lost.
Let us be bold in knowing our Saviour has risen and will return again one day as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
"Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for our sins. Thank you for rising again to show us Your power over death and the grave. Help this knowledge to embolden us to share the good news with those around us. We can't wait to see You again. Jesus come quickly! Amen."
