Temporary Tombs

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:38-42 ESV).

 

If you travel to Jerusalem, you will likely visit two different locations thought to be the tomb of Jesus. One is located in the Church of the Ascension, while the other is found in the Garden, near Gordan’s Calvary. Most archeologists believe the tomb in the Church of the Ascension is the most likely location, though both have some basis for their claims. The picture I’ve attached is of the Garden Tomb, simply because it is a bit more beautiful and reminiscent of the Bible’s description. However, the most important feature is that both were temporary.

 

Executed on a cross, Jesus had made no preparations for his burial, and most of his followers had scattered. Was his body simply to be dumped in a common grave for prisoners and debtors? The body of the Son of Man, who had “no place to lay his head” while he was alive (Luke 9:58), needed a tomb to borrow. This called for the help of Joseph and Nicodemus. Earlier these men were afraid to be known as Jesus’ followers, but now they came forward to give his body an honorable resting place. After all, Jesus was dead and had to be buried. Joseph and Nicodemus had resources to prepare the body, and they had a place to bury it. So they wrapped Jesus’ body in linen and with burial spices and set it in Joseph’s own tomb nearby (cf. Matthew 27:57-60). They did all this quickly before sunset on Friday, because it was the “day of Preparation” for the weekly Sabbath on Saturday.

 

As we get older, we tend to think about arranging for a burial place or making funeral plans. After all, we are mortal, and our bodies break down and die. Mary and I have certainly had those conversations. In fact, we pass a cemetery near us often on our way to town that is a likely spot for us should we still be living in this area when the time comes. However, as nice as it is, make no mistake, it too will be a temporary tomb! Just as Jesus was resurrected, our bodies will someday be resurrected and joined with our spirits to forever be perfected with Jesus! Our graves will be empty too!