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Today we want to look at the questions people are asking.
When people come to us with a request, we often try to determine where their heart is coming from.
Again this week we had a request to buy food for a lady and her son.
Out of compassion, our church as a policy on how we deal with these requests.
We desire our help to be something that makes a difference and helps them draw closer to God and what He would have for their lives.
Some are genuine, some are people who would rather beg/scam than work.
As Christians we should pay attention to the questions and who is asking them.
The first request of Pilate by a disciple vv57-61
Joseph of Arimathea
He was a disciple v 57
He was from a town about the distance of Campbelltown away from here to the North East of Jerusalem.
35 Ks; also the birthplace of the prophet Samuel
He was part of the council - top 71 Jewish leaders.
Mark 15.43
Nicodemus was also a believer and part of this 71 Jewish leadership and according to Johns account he physically helped Joseph.
See Jn 19.38
God kept them hidden, as it were, that they might care for the body of Jesus.
Since Joseph was a rich man, and he prepared the new tomb, he helped in the fulfillment of prophecy
He was wealthy.
He thought ahead after listening to Jesus say that He would die at the hands of sinful men.
That is why he bought a tomb close to the place of executions.
A rock hewn tomb took time to make.
A rolling stone was also needed to complete the process.
Question #1: Will you, Pilate, allow me to bury the body of Jesus in a tomb.
Fact is, Jesus was dead.
He recognised the fact and so did others present at the scene.
This “respected member of the Jewish council” desired to do the right thing.
The right thing, not just because it was the eve of a very holy day, but because God had prompted him to do it to fulfil Scripture.
He went against the norm.
He asked a hard request to grant.
The charge against Jesus would not have allowed the body to be cared for.
History shows that all insurrectionists were not allowed to be taken down and were left to rot in front of the people.
The request Joseph is making would leave both him and Nicodemus defiled and unable to eat the Passover.
However, they were caring for the very Passover Lamb.
Jesus is given a burial fitting of a leader.
Though it was rushed, it was “regal”.
He was watched!
History tells us that it was against Roman law to morn for those executed - especially when executed for trying to establish your own kingdom.
These ladies are brave to do this!
These ladies followed.
They sat right in front of the tomb and watched everything Joseph and Nicodemus did.
So, 4 people were able to collaborate these historical facts.
The inclusion of these verses also add proof that the women went to the right tomb on Sunday morning!
He was also watched by others not mentioned here.
The next group know where Joseph took the body of Jesus.
The second request of Pilate by deceivers vv62-66
A night passes as Jesus lay in the tomb.
I’m sure a lot of people had a sleepless night.
The disciples were scared, sad and feeling so let down at the death of their leader\teacher.
Joseph was possibly sleepless because he had to stay away from all the family and friends that would be celebrating Passover.
Since he had chosen to handle a dead body, there had to be separation during the feast.
I also think the religious leaders, at least the chief priests and the Pharisees had a sleepless night.
I’m sure that their sin of killing Jesus did not bring them peace.
However, I also notice that the very next day they head as a group back to Pilate.
They were worried about something.
While Joseph has shown compassion for another person, though now dead, these people will display how much they hope their own power and control remains secure.
These Jewish leaders even break the Sabbath to make sure they can get their own way.
Matthew 27:63–64 (NKJV)
63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’
64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’
So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Each of the times listed in Matthew’s gospel that quote Jesus saying He would rise from the dead were times when He was in private council with His close disciples.
This was not His message to the masses unless they fully understood that He was saying about the sign of Jonah.
These guys were so insecure that they actually request a security detail!
They also start to give themselves a plausible story line, an out, if things go wrong from here.
Whenever our mental and social status and
security comes from our power and the power of our friends - we have times of insecurity.
When our security is in the Lord’s hand that is in the Father’s hand we have eternal security.
Pilate also grants this request.
The Pharisees had a Jewish guard for the Temple.
This however, was a Roman guard.
They had the power to place a seal
They were to ultimately answer to Pilate.
28.14
This means they were trained, armed, and lived under orders.
To break those orders, or to fail in any way was to carry a likely death penalty.
This was a “guard this or die trying” type of command.
I love the words Pilate used.
“…Make it as secure as you can.”
Working against God is never a good idea!
Requests against the known will of God are futile!
The “sealing of the stone” could only be broken by Pilate or by someone with more authority than Pilate.
I am so glad that Jesus broke that seal!
Think of those implications!
Conclusion: As Christians we should pay attention to the questions/requests and who is asking them.
Some have massive implications.
Some requests set in motion the very things that will changes lives forever.
Do we only look for the fun and joyful roles as we seek what God would do thought our lives?
Thank God, Joseph looked ahead and chose a mournful role!
Are we thinking ahead, even spending ahead to be prepared for the future roles God has for us?
Thank God, Joseph did!
Can we spot request that have their sole aim to thwart God’s plan?
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