All
Orthodox Christians accept the burial of Jesus as a matter of most importance.
We sometimes rush from the cross to the resurrection with little more than a
mention of burial of the body of Jesus. We need to stop and reflect on the quiet
of the moment. The noisy crowds are gone, the scheming and plotting are over,
there is a helpless quiet. What we find in that helpless quiet is, in fact, inspiring.
Joseph
of Arimathea a prominent member of the council is, in this quiet hopelessness,
expressing his love and devotion to the Lord. He was anticipating the kingdom
of God, apparently in the person of Jesus. His hopes were also dashed. But in
spite of it all he was lovingly loyal. Mark mentions it because it required
courage to go to Pilate. Bodies of condemned men were the property of Rome.
Political figures can be more disturbing after their death if their bodies
became a rallying point. Joseph took the risk of Imperial displeasure by asking
for the body. Here's perhaps the lesson we most need in today's Church. Joseph
anticipated nothing for his devotion; it was pure selfless love and respect and
loyalty expressed in the moment of the deepest darkness. This was no crass “give
to God and get more in return”. We see no seed of faith here. The monstrosity
of naming and claiming God's blessing by acts of giving are completely absent.
What we see here is a loving sacrifice for the sole motive of love for the
Lord. The sacrifice of Joseph? That tomb was intended for himself and
his family, but he gave it away. He sacrificed his reputation and status. His
place in the council would be hurt by his loyalty to this lost-cause character.
So
much of our faith is based on, “What's in it for me?” Can I get a place in
heaven? Will God rescue my marriage? Will being a believer give me a better life?
Can I obtain personal peace and affluence by means of loving Jesus? None of
these questions are in the heart of Joseph.
Rather,
we see, “What can I do for the one I love?” “How do I honor this Jesus whom I respect
and who I believed was of God?” At the lowest moment, a moment completely
devoid of any expectation of hope, Joseph loved, served, and gave. How can we, on this side of Easter, turn
Jesus into some kind of divine sugar daddy?
He is worthy of our all, regardless.
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