Friday, March 25, 2016

The Stunning Exchange


“That evening a rich disciple named Joseph from the town of Arimathea went and asked for Jesus’ body.  Pilate gave orders for it to be given to Joseph, who took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.  Then Joseph put the body in his own tomb that had been cut into solid rock and had never been used.  He rolled a big stone against the entrance to the tomb and went away.”  Matthew 28:57-60

Joseph of Arimathea…grieving Joseph taking the limp body of his Lord and placing it in the tomb he had prepared for himself.  He was likely only thinking that Jesus must have a proper burial and wanted to honor Him in any way he could.  Joseph was unaware of the irony of his actions.  Before any earthly being realized the unseen truth, it had already been played out symbolically through this scene—the exchange of Jesus’ death and burial for Joseph’s own.

Jesus takes the place of any who will give up their tomb.

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