39
And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
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Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome.
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In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.
- P102
42
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,
43
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. - P102
44Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.
45When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.
46So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
- P103
A few witnesses are specifically mentioned at the time of Jesus’ death on the cross: a military commander and select women. Immediately upon Christ’s death, the centurion recognizes Jesus as the true Son of God and proclaims this aloud. The female believers who are watching from a distance already know what the centurion has just realized, having seen the love and power of Jesus in Galilee and Jerusalem. - P104
Both the centurion and the women reflect our experience of the Christian faith. - P104
The moment we encounter Jesus in the reading and hearing of God’s Word, we cannot help but acknowledge and proclaim who He is. - P104
Let us continue to follow and serve Jesus Christ as we grow in our understanding of Him. - P104
Joseph of Arimathea, a rich and reputable member of the Jewish court,
boldly goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus‘ body. This story does not merelyset the stage for Christ‘s resurrection in the following chapter; it highlightsthe love and honor Joseph has for his King. - P104
Joseph pays respect to Jesus bycarefully taking down His body from the cross, wrapping it in linen, andplacing it in what is most likely one of his own family tombs. In the samemanner, may we as disciples today maintain this posture of honor for theChrist who is no longer dead but risen and alive. - P104
Let us take courage andboldly live as His followers, giving Him our personal best. - P104
Dear Lord, I praise You for You are my living King. Because You have conquered death, I am alive with You. - P104
Help me to grow bolder in my faith so that I may bless You and Your people with my testimony. In Your name I pray, amen. - P104
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