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Easter Reading | Day 5

Prayer

As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Thank Jesus that he came to save you!

Bible Reading: Matthew 27:57-60

Read these verses three times slowly.

As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

Reflection & Questions

We finish our week of readings meditating on the cross, with the moment Jesus is laid in a tomb. Unbelievably, the Lord of Life lay dead. One of His followers had the courage and sense of duty to ask for Jesus’ body. In moments of what must have been intense sadness, confusion and hopelessness, Joseph carefully wrapped the lifeless body of his Creator. Joseph then took Jesus’ body to a new tomb, a tomb perhaps he had prepared for himself, and laid Jesus inside. A large stone was rolled over the front to seal the tomb.

As that stone was rolled across, all hopes of Jesus being the Messiah, the Savior King, rolled away. Death had won. The Light had been snuffed out. But that was Friday. And Sunday was coming.

The truth is like Joseph, we will face times of immense sadness, confusion and hopelessness. But we have to remember that’s not the end of the story. Jesus doesn’t lose. We may see loved ONEs with hearts as hard as the stone that rolled in front of the tomb. But Jesus rolled that stone away. On our “Fridays” it may seem like all hope is lost. But hold on. Sunday is coming.

1. Think about those moments when Joseph wrapped Jesus’ body and laid it in the tomb. What thoughts come to mind?
2. Where are you sad, confused or losing hope. How does the truth of Jesus’ death and resurrection encourage you to remain faithful and hopeful?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today. Thank Jesus that he went all the way to death for you. Ask for His help to live with hope in the light of His resurrection.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?