So they took His body down
The man who said He was the resurrection and the life
Was lifeless on the ground
The sky was red as blood along the blade of night
As the sabbath fell they shrouded Him in linen
They dressed Him like a wound
The rich man and the women
They laid Him in the tomb
With these words, songwriter Andrew Peterson describes the work of Joseph and the women. After Jesus died, the Roman centurion recognized that Jesus was a righteous man. Some expressed their dismay and grief by pounding their chests with their fists. Like the ones on the road to Emmaus, "They had thought . . . Jesus was the Messiah." They headed to their homes. But the women stayed close.
Those who are loved lavishly also love lavishly in response. Joseph was surely a dissenting voice on the Sanhedrin Council which condemned Jesus. He had to do something for Jesus. Unable to undo the event of the crucifixion, he sought to honor Jesus by sharing his tomb. Joseph asked Pilate for Jesus' body, wrapped it in a cloth and laid him in the tomb. John tells us Nicodemus brought spices appropriate for the burial of a King. The women prepared their spices and perfume and waited for the Sabbath to pass. They all felt like they had to do something.
What will we do for Jesus? When we realize what he has done we feel like we ought to do something. No gift is too great for the God who saves us. Poet Christina Rosetti was right: the one gift each may give to God which is unlike any other is one's own heart. This is what Jesus most wants. Will we give it to him?
