Posts
Friday, April 15
Whipped...lashed within an inch of His life.
Mocked...crowned with thorns.
Slapped...beard ripped from His face.
Bound...nails pounded into His flesh.
Ridiculed...garment gambled for at His feet.
Pierced...in His side, and in His heart.
He sighed His last breath...
“It is finished.”
Now, it is time to bury Him.
But who will take Him down from the cross?
Who removed those gruesome nails from Jesus’ body?
Walk with me and let’s see...
Evening approaches. Clouds blush in the western sky as the sun begins to slide into the distant hills. It’s Preparation Day, the day before Sabbath.
A somber atmosphere hangs heavy in the city. Hearts sting from the ghastly sight of Jesus body being nailed to a cross as a common criminal.
But now, who will take down His body? He must be buried.
Appearing with boldness before Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus is Joseph of Arimathea. A rich man. A prominent member of the Sanhedrin. A secret follower of Jesus waiting for the kingdom of God.
What? Pilate summons the centurion. Jesus is dead? Pilate asks. The centurion replies in the positive. Pilate then gives Joseph permission to take Jesus’ body and bury it.
The day is growing short. Joseph rushes to the market for some linen burial cloths. Nicodemus joins him, helping to carry one hundred pounds of burial spices.
Hearts throb while lungs heave in their chests as the two men flee toward Golgotha.
Joseph takes a deep breath. Remove the nails? How can I do this?
Tears of deep grief fill his eyes and spill onto his cheeks. With trembling hands, Joseph extracts the bloody nails driven for the sins of man. First, from Jesus’ feet.
He finds a nearby ladder and timidly climbs up. He releases the cords of hate that tied Jesus’ wrists to the offensive cross beam. Next, he struggles to remove the nails...from one hand, then the other.
The Savior’s lifeless body plunges into the arms of Nicodemus.
Kneeling beside Jesus’ body, the men delicately wrap each linen strip with the spices around His body. Their arms and legs strain from the weight as they then carry Jesus to a newly hewn tomb in the garden.
After laying His body inside, the men back out of the tomb, bowing in reverence. Joseph rolls a large stone against the entrance of the tomb. The men walk back to the city in silence.
It is finished. Or is it?
Wow, never thought of that.
Simply beautiful Lynn. I also recently posted on the two brave Jews from the Sanhedrin who attended to Jesus' body and burial. What tenderness and reverence they must have exhibited as they prepared Him for the grave, never realizing He would only be there temporarily... You used such vivid word pictures in your post. Thank you for this moving tribute to our Lord.
Nothing moves us like story, and this was a moving story. Good job.
Of course it wasn't finished. Not only was the tomb empty on Easter morning, the napkin placed over His face was neatly folded. In the culture of that time, a folded napkin meant the master of the house wasn't finished. He was coming back. Beautiful imagery, Lynn. Thank you for bringing us yet another level of understanding to the story of the Resurrection.
Dana, this thought has been bugging me for some time. Thanks for stopping by!
Deborah, thank you so much for your kind words. Affirms my heart! I must have missed your post. Will have to go back and check it out. Blessings!
Oh, thank you so much, Warren. I was hoping I did it justice. Thanks for stopping by. Bless you!
Ceci, I'm so happy you know about the folded napkin. I love that tradition! Thanks for reading and commenting. You bless me. Blessings to you!
I never thought of that ... someone had to remove those ugly nails! Aren't you clever to think of that. Thanks for another powerful post, Lynn.
Dawn, it's just one of those things that we just don't think about. Thanks so much for commenting. I deeply appreciate it! Bless you!
Lynn,
I too never considered who removed those nails. Thanks for this powerful post and the food for thought.
Susan
Very well written Lynn, it could be an eye witness account...
Susan, isn't it an awesome thought? Thanks so much for reading and commenting. I'm always happy to have you visit! Blessings to you!
Thanks so much, Marja! Your words bless me and are an encouragement! Bless you!
Lynn, your writing is such a blessing to so many! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your heart! I'm awarding you the Versatile Blogger Award! You can pick up your award at http://ajwrites4him.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html
Blessings and Keep on Writing!
Amanda, thank you so much, sweetie! You have truly blessed me! Thank you for the award. I'm honored. Blessings to you! :D
Wow, I never thought of Jesus's burial to that depth...the act of actually removing the nails. Beautiful post, thank you so much. Gives me more to think about :)
Have a blessed Easter!
Rebecca, isn't that an sobering thought? I know I couldn't have done that. Thank you so much for your kind words. Off to visit your blog again. I forgot to leave a comment! Resurrection blessings to you!