Day Three Mark 15:42-47
42 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, 43 Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) 44 Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. 45 The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. 46 Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid. – Mark 15:42-47 (NLT)
Discover
1. What does verse 42 tell us about when these next events happen?
2. List everything you learn about Joseph of Arimathea in verses 43 and 46.
3. Who has stayed with Jesus throughout the entire day (verse 47)?
Respond
Despite being a member of the high Jewish council, the council that has just sent Jesus to His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea steps out to request the body of Jesus from the Roman governor, Pilate (see Matthew and John’s accounts of this same story). By doing this, Joseph unknowingly fulfills Old Testament prophecy, rescues Jesus from a shallow grave, and risks his own life in the process. While most of the other disciples are hiding in fear, Joseph steps out in love to give his Messiah a proper Jewish burial. Is there any area of your life that you sense God asking you to take a risk on His behalf? Pray right now for courage and boldness to live fearlessly for Him. You never know the impact your bold move might make.
For Further Reading: Read Isaiah 53 and see if you spot the mention of Joseph.
For Families with Kids at Home
In this story, Joseph makes a bold move that others might look down on. But because he loves Jesus so much, he’s willing to risk everything!
Have a conversation with your kids about making bold moves because we love Jesus. Are there things that might be the right thing to do, but people might judge you? Pray with your kids that God would give them boldness to do the right thing, just like Joseph!