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Matthew 27:57-61
Jesus had been crucified on Friday, the day before the Sabbath (Mark 15:42), and as evening approached, the need to remove Jesus’ body from the cross was a requirement. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NKJV) states, “If a man has committed a sin deserving of death, and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain overnight on the tree, but you shall surely bury him that day, so that you do not defile the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance; for he who is hanged is accursed of God.”
We are now introduced to Joseph of Arimathea, who came and asked Pilate for the body of Jesus so as to give Him a proper burial. The Bible teaches us in Matthew 27:59-60 (NKJV), “When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.” And as we have just learned of the importance of women in the equality found in Christ Jesus, Matthew 27:61 teaches us that it was the women who were there at the tomb as it was closed up.
This is the burial of Jesus.
It is important that we know that Jesus was not only crucified for us – for our sins, but that He was also buried. To die for our sins is only half of the battle that Jesus fought on our behalf. He paid the price for sin which is death (Romans 6:23a), but as He has died and is buried, it is equally important that we understand that Jesus conquered the grave, and God, through His Almighty power, raised Jesus from the grave. For Romans 6:23b declares, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the conquering action that claims victory over sin, death, and the devil for all of mankind. This is the victory that Jesus claimed for everyone who will believe in Him, as He was raised from the grave to a new life, we too will be given a new life through our faith in Him as our Savior.
Dear LORD,
As Jesus died and paid the price for our sins through His purity and righteousness, it is important that we believe that You raised Him from the grave in victory over sin, death, and Satan. For in our salvation is the declaration found in Romans 10:9-10, “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.