Experience Easter: Joining Jesus’ JourneySample

The first thing you might notice in this painting of Jesus being removed from the cross, is the white-robed hand reaching out and touching his wounds. When read alongside this passage, one could imagine that this is Joseph of Arimathea. In the Gospel of John, we read that Joseph had secretly been a disciple of Jesus; but as a member of the religious high council, he had been afraid of revealing this truth. It could be Nicodemus, who had also secretly visited Jesus because of his status as a Jewish religious leader. It seems that something finally clicked for Joseph and Nicodemus. Not only did they reveal their allegiance to Jesus so publically, but they were the ones who took Jesus off the cross. They touched Jesus’ dead, bloodied, broken body - no doubt being covered in Jesus’ own blood, as the picture hints at. Joseph also gives up what historians believe was his own tomb - an investment, if you will. Nicodemus contributed expensive burial ointments, giving Jesus’ brutal death some dignity.

Imagine you were watching this moment.

Where were the disciples that had publicly followed Jesus? 

Joseph and Nicodemus had just as much, if not more, to lose by showing their love for Jesus in front of everyone. It seems that Jesus’ death was able to change people’s minds significantly. They moved from spectating to getting their hands dirty, and in the most vulnerable of times.

Have you ever felt you’re a spectator to the journey of following Jesus?

What effect would it have had on you to watch Jesus be crucified?

Have you ever assumed someone isn’t a Christ-follower, and been surprised to find out what they’ve sacrificed for Jesus?

Prayer:

Jesus, there have been many times where I have stepped back as an onlooker to what You are doing. There have been many times where I have been surprised at who You are able to reach and transform. Help me to have the courage to step into the messy, sacrificial life of following You. I want to be there when You show Your resurrection power, but sometimes I avoid the laying down of self that comes before. Jesus, I’d like to think that if I’d been there, I wouldn’t have been afraid to reach out to You. Please give me the courage to reach out to You now. 

Amen.