Mark 15:42-47
42 And when evening had come, 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 looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Reflection
Jesus is buried. Though this may seem like a less significant part of the story, it is a crucial part of the gospel message (see 1 Cor. 15:4). Jesus was not simply mocked or insulted or wounded on our behalf; he was killed. Jesus experienced the death that is unavoidable for every human since Adam’s fall. Though each of us must pass through the awful experience of death, Jesus’ death means that our death is no longer a dead end. Jesus passed through death and rose up on the other side. Therefore, death is the path to a new beginning. Death for the follower of Christ is an entrance ramp, not an exit.
Galatians 4:12-20
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of the blessing you felt? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
Reflection
Paul first preached the gospel in Galatia because of an unspecified physical illness (Gal. 4:13). The apostle’s ministry among the Galatians was a great blessing (v. 15), but now they are turning away from the gospel and attempting to work for God’s acceptance (3:2). When we insist on working for our acceptance, we refuse the gospel of God’s grace and treat it as an enemy (4:16).
Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians so that they will rediscover grace and not be lured by the flattery of those who are enticing them (v. 17). Spiritual maturity is not obtained through self-exalting activity, religious or otherwise; it is cultivated through humble faith in the sufficiency of Jesus.
Psalm 23:4
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
The death of Christ has paid the debt we owe. Pray that God would use the news of Christ’s death for you to free you from the fear of death, so that you can live fearlessly for him and his kingdom.