Post by Richard on Apr 6, 2007 8:20:11 GMT -5
WAITING AT THE TOMB
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Matthew 27:57-61 (NRSV)
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
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Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
- Matthew 27:61 (NIV)
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OUR first year in Jordan, we lived up the hill from a cemetery in a village located just outside Amman. During my trips up and down the hill, I observed many burials. I knew someone had died when I saw men digging a grave in the rocky, desolate site. Later, male family members would place the shroud-wrapped body into the hole, cover it with dirt, and scatter a few stones on top. The grief-stained faces and cries of mourning made each burial I saw a shared, human experience.
We are all familiar with the grief experienced after a loved one's death. Every Easter season we who believe in Jesus grieve his crucifixion 2,000 years ago. We read that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary looked on as Joseph of Arimathea sealed Jesus in the tomb and then went away.
The two Marys were left alone, their hearts full of resignation and despair. They didn't realize that their pain was temporary. We share in their grief and sorrow on every Good Friday. However, we know that the desperation they felt was replaced by hope and joy when they heard the news of Jesus' Sunday resurrection. We, too, can rejoice in the Easter story, for that same hope and joy are available to us today.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering so that we can have the joy of knowing you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The despair of Good Friday gives way to the hope of Easter.
-- Pat Stockett Johnston (California, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People without hope or joy
_________________________
Matthew 27:57-61 (NRSV)
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
_________________________
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.
- Matthew 27:61 (NIV)
_________________________
OUR first year in Jordan, we lived up the hill from a cemetery in a village located just outside Amman. During my trips up and down the hill, I observed many burials. I knew someone had died when I saw men digging a grave in the rocky, desolate site. Later, male family members would place the shroud-wrapped body into the hole, cover it with dirt, and scatter a few stones on top. The grief-stained faces and cries of mourning made each burial I saw a shared, human experience.
We are all familiar with the grief experienced after a loved one's death. Every Easter season we who believe in Jesus grieve his crucifixion 2,000 years ago. We read that Mary Magdalene and the other Mary looked on as Joseph of Arimathea sealed Jesus in the tomb and then went away.
The two Marys were left alone, their hearts full of resignation and despair. They didn't realize that their pain was temporary. We share in their grief and sorrow on every Good Friday. However, we know that the desperation they felt was replaced by hope and joy when they heard the news of Jesus' Sunday resurrection. We, too, can rejoice in the Easter story, for that same hope and joy are available to us today.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for suffering so that we can have the joy of knowing you. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The despair of Good Friday gives way to the hope of Easter.
-- Pat Stockett Johnston (California, U.S.A.)
PRAYER FOCUS: People without hope or joy