Station 7: The Burial of Jesus

Luke 23:50-54

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning.

Were You There? Roland Hayes (1940)

1. Were you there when they crucified my Lord? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble.

2. Were you there when they pierced him in the side? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble.

3. Were you there when they laid him in the tomb? O! Sometimes it causes me to tremble.

Where there once was life, there is now only a body. Even in death, his body is a problem to be dealt with. The sabbath is coming. There isn’t much time. He must be wrapped and buried before the setting of the sun ushers in the holy day of rest. Help comes from an unexpected source, who offers an extravagant gift. Disgraced criminals rarely get brand-new tombs. How did we end up here? How does a promise get sealed behind heavy stone, cold and alone? All that we are left with is grief. Attention must be paid. That is all there is, for now.

Prayer:

In the depths of grief and despair, you are there, O God. And you promise the blessing of comfort to all who mourn. Bless us this day as we mourn everything that has been buried with Christ in his death, and comfort us with the presence of your steadfast love that holds us in our grief, assuring us of nothing more than that, as we wait in darkness for the dawn that is to come. Amen.

First Presbyterian Church

Station 7: The Burial of Jesus

Luke 23:50-54

Holy Week Stations

THE MISSION OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH