Holy Saturday – TURNING THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN
TEXT: After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission … Nicodemus also … came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So … they laid Jesus there. (John 19.38a, 39-41, 42b)
What a day this is! The Son of God is dead. How can that be? The Source of life, about to be laid in a tomb?
And by whom? Two respected members of the Jewish council, the very group that condemned Him! Pilate must have been amazed. And at Passover time, too, when handling a body guarantees they will not be able to participate in public worship for the rest of the week! But they don’t care.
Normally caring for Jesus’ body would have been a task for women. But Joseph and Nicodemus have taken this service on themselves, the last gift of love they can give Jesus. Who cares about gender roles?
Jesus whom they loved is dead, and their world has been turned upside down. Nothing else matters to them. At least, until their world gets turned right-side up, on Sunday morning-when the women in turn take over the men’s job and preach Good News to the disciples.
WE PRAY: Thank You, dear Lord, for turning my world right side up by Your death and resurrection. You have saved me and everyone who trusts in You. Amen.
——————— Reflection Questions
• How does the death of someone you love turn your world upside down?
• At such a time, do you care if you’re breaking social expectations?
• Were Jesus’ followers expecting the resurrection? How do you know?
Responses