Today we are reading from Mark 15:42-47:

42 When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. 45 When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. 46 Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was laid.

Not too many people in these last hours of Jesus’ life acquitted themselves well. But see in this passage, some folks who do. The disciples ran.  Judas betrayed.  Peter denied. But today, we see some people who stood up and were faithful on that day.  

We see Joseph care for Jesus’ body. We see him boldly ask for the body.  I thought it was interesting that was the phrase that scripture used.  He boldly asked.  He knew that asking for the body may draw eyeballs and questions. But he did it anyway. He asked anyway.  He took care of Jesus, anyway.  

When others, who were closer to Jesus, ran, Joseph stood tall and was faithful in this moment.  

We see Mary and Mary Magdalene also remain and watch.  We’ll see tomorrow how they came to care for Jesus in this moment. 

It’s easy to stand tall when it is easy and everything is coming up roses. What about when it is hard. Standing for Jesus could very well cost Joseph much. But he did it anyhow.  He saw who Jesus was. 

Standing for Jesus could make the Mary’s life harder. But they loved Him.  They were part of what he was doing and the ministry He had. They loved Him. 

Both of these were faithful when not being faithful would be so much easier. They were faithful when it was hard when the chips were down. They were faithful when times were a challenge, when it may cost. 

They were faithful to Jesus because Jesus was faithful to them. 

Today, what about us? 

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