He is risen, indeed!

Luke 23:50-53

50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:

51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.

53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid."

We have journeyed through Holy Week. The readings have shown the eternal contrast: everlasting punishment for the unrighteous and eternal life for the righteous. This judgment applies to all nations and is based on actions that reveal the authenticity of our faith. Jesus connected this to His teaching on humility and selfless generosity, revealing God’s heart for the marginalized and vulnerable. When He walked among us, Jesus lived and died as one of us, marginalized and vulnerable. 

Jesus was treated like a vicious criminal—tortured, beaten, and crucified. Yet praise the Lord, He received a dignified burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Jewish Council (the Sanhedrin), made this possible. Described as a good and righteous man, he had not agreed with the decision to crucify Jesus.

Though a secret follower out of fear (John 19:38), Joseph courageously approached Pontius Pilate and requested Jesus’ body. He took Him down from the cross, wrapped the body in linen, and laid it in his own new tomb—cut into rock and never before used.

From this grave, Jesus has risen!

He is risen indeed!

Alleluia!