Lenten Reader | Day 40

April 19th, 2025

Laid in the Tomb

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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Matthew 27:57-61

And so we come to the final day of Lent. Jesus is dead. These events that we encounter here at the end of Matthew 27 took place yesterday – the day of His crucifixion. His body is removed from the cross and placed in a tomb. A large stone is rolled in front of the entrance. It is over. This movement that seemed so promising to so many has seemingly come to nothing. They were all wrong.

Or so they thought…

But in the midst of all this pain and hopelessness, one man still acts. Joseph of Arimathea. Very little is known about this Joseph. Mark and Luke record that he was a member of the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling body) and that he was waiting for the kingdom of God. Matthew and John call him a disciple of Jesus. Luke says that he had not consented to the Sanhedrin’s decision to execute Jesus.

And yet it is this unlikely follower of Jesus – among all his followers – who continues to act at the darkest moment. He petitions Pilate to be able to remove Jesus’ body from the cross, to prepare the body, and to place it in a tomb.

And we have the opportunity to follow Joseph’s example. Even in our darkest, most difficult moments. When everything seems lost. When there does not seem like there is a way forward. We are called to remain faithful to our Lord. To continue to act. Because unlike Joseph we know that Easter is on the way! Even when things are at their darkest, we know that light is just around the corner.

So press on, saints! Continue to be faithful to Jesus. Even if things are difficult. Even if you feel hopeless. Because tomorrow is Easter. Tomorrow we will celebrate that Jesus is alive.

Erik Allsop