Mark: Living the Way of Jesus in the Worldनमूना

First Thought 

It was common in Roman crucifixions for the body to remain hanging as a deterrent and for it to be eventually left unburied or in a common grave near the site of the crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent Jew, boldly asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. He must have been a wealthy man since he had a new tomb available just outside Jerusalem. He wasn’t a likely candidate to bury Jesus. Yet he was ‘waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God’, sympathetic to Jesus, and may well have subsequently become a follower. The burial needed to happen swiftly as Sabbath approached. As the stone was rolled to seal the entrance to the tomb, two women, Mary Magdalene, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were watching where He was laid. They were vital witnesses to the death and resurrection of Jesus. 

What Does the Bible Say?

In what ways does Mark emphasize that Jesus really is dead?

Living it Out

Is there a task God would have you do to serve others in your context in the way that we see Joseph responding to a need in his? 

Responding in Prayer

Glorious God, may I be ready to serve boldly as Joseph was. Help me (…) I pray. Amen.