Passion Week: The Resurrection and the LifeSample

The Grave

After Jesus dies, a prominent, wealthy man named Joseph secretly asks the Roman governor for permission to take Jesus' body for burial. He and Nicodemus the Pharisee take Jesus' body, wrap it with burial spices and place Him in Joseph's family tomb. The story now stagnates. The disciples are in hiding, grieving and bewildered. Jesus' followers are in pain and confused. Were they wrong? Was Jesus not who He claimed? Was their faith in vain? Jesus is dead and buried in a dark tomb. On this side of the story, we know what happens next, but there is only darkness and questions for the people living it.

Have you ever been in a season or situation where you felt like this? Have you ever wondered where God was in your circumstances? Have you ever felt like He had stopped listening or caring about what was happening to you?

This part of the story is silent, and sometimes, after putting ourselves out there in faith, we come to a position in our own story where it feels like there is only silence. These are real emotions and feelings we experience here on earth, only seeing to a certain point in our story. But God was still working then; God is still working now. God was not absent, He had not forgotten, and He had not abandoned His plan. This part of the story was necessary for what was to come on Sunday. There was hidden work being done as Jesus completed the work of redemption.

What season or area of your life have you experienced similar feelings? Write a prayer of faith to God, reminding Yourself and God that you trust Him and believe He will come through for you. Then, find a space where you can pray and read it out loud!