Mark 15:40-47; Mark 16:1-3

Mark 15:40-47; Mark 16:1-3  Some women were watching from a distance.  Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.  In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs.  Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.  It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath).  So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.  Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead.  Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died.  When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph.  So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.  Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.  When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.  Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”

The women were on a divine mission as God's spies.  Primarily, they were there that day to see where Jesus' body was laid.  Members of the Sanhedrin and the high priest knew about Jesus' prophesy of being resurrected, so I am sure they were not very willing to have Jesus' gravesite known.  In fact, they were so worried about Jesus' body being stolen that they actually had soldiers seal and guard his tomb.  But the Holy Spirit wanted us to know through Mark's account that the women fulfilled God's divine purpose for them that day.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. 

Joseph was also on a divine mission.  He was to take care of the body of the crucified Jesus.  He was a member of the Sanhedrin who had rejected the council's decision to put Jesus to death, for Joseph in his heart was looking for God's kingdom to be established.  He had not consented to their decision and deed.  He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.  (Luke 23:51)  As a member of the Sanhedrin, he had heard all the reasons Jesus should be killed, but somehow he believed Jesus was more than a mere man who could be dealt with by death.  So Joseph put his feet to work and went to Pilate to request Christ's body.  Pilate consented.  Before the Sabbath began, Joseph quickly placed it in a tomb cut out of rock.  Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Joseph placed Jesus' body exactly where God wanted him to be placed.  The conditions were right for the resurrection, and for the concomitant announcement that he HAS RISEN.  After the Sabbath, early in the morning, the three women who knew where Jesus' body was, came to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices--the rest of the story is well known.  

What role do each of us have to play today?  Will we be in the right place with the right attitude?  The women at the tomb and Joseph were chosen to fulfill necessary roles in the story of Jesus.  We, in the body of Christ, have necessary roles to fulfill.  The Holy Spirit was sent not only to comfort us but to guide us in all aspects of our lives.  We are his children; as children we can be obedient or disobedient.  The Bible indicates that God disciplines his children, the wayward, the uncontrollable, the frightened, the stubborn, the slow learners, all his children.  Jesus says, some sow, some reap; some prepare and some collect the results.  Christians have the will and the ability to do both, but for sure we are not just automatons.  We can say yes or no to everything God wants us to do, but I believe the Holy Spirit has placed a very strong inclination in our hearts to do God's will.  Is it to visit the sick?  Is it to carry out some important task for someone?  Maybe it's to mourn or to rejoice with someone.  Maybe it is just to be a companion to a lonely heart.  God has a task for us this day.  Is there a person who needs a call from you today, a loving hug?  The women and Joseph had a task and they fulfilled it.  CHRISTIANS, GOD HAS BLESSED US WITH WORK TO DO, and He has given us the Holy Spirit to empower us to fulfill those tasks.  James says, "Show me your faith by your works."  Otherwise, show me how much you believe and trust in God by your willingness to work for him.  God bless you today in ALL that you do.