1. Intro
2. The burial of Jesus is important ... because it establishes the gospel as historical (40-41, 47)
3. The burial of Jesus is important ... because it teaches us the cross is meant to be personal
3.1. That's what burials are .. right? Personal?
3.1.1. It's often that you will go to a funeral and there may be a few hundred people there .. but when it's time to bury, when it's time to commit the body into the ground or into the furnace .. when there's that last moment of letting go .. that sting of death and that bitterness of temporality of life ... what happens? Often, it's those closes, those nearest, those whose life was most up close and up personal that get that moment ... and often need that moment.
3.1.2. And often in those times, there's regret, there's Ishould have, or I could have .. or what might have ...
3.1.3. It's just really personal. really a time of lament and reflection.
3.1.4. And if it's done right - there's can be amazing changes ... and of course if done wrng, amazing guilt and amazing destruction... it's a fine line...
3.1.4.1. But if done right, major groves in our life's pattern can be changed and moved.
3.1.5. And that's what we'll see here
3.2. verses
3.2.1. Mark 15:42 (ESV) — 42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,
3.2.2. Mark 15:43 (ESV) — 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
3.3. So there's a problem here ....
3.3.1. It's evening time ... the sun is about to set .. and the day of preparation ..
3.3.1.1. And mark is explaining this meticously - it's the day before the sabbath -- btw - because his audience are gentiles in Rome. he wants them to get this.
3.3.2. Now, normal Romans practice was to use crucifixation as part of a TERROR campaign. It wasn't just for justice, it was for deterence.
3.3.2.1. So often they would leave the bodies on the cross to rot, to ahve the birds pick and eat and devour
3.3.2.2. Now sometimes - if families request ... they would give them the bodies ..
3.3.2.3. Except in cases of HIGH TREASON .. except in cases where the crime was competing against Caesar .. kindof like saying your a a king ... over a people under Caesar ...
3.3.2.4. Then Rome was not friendly to your family .. you family i sin cahoots wit you.
3.3.2.5. So it's unlikely --- so unlikley that they would have released Jesus
3.3.3. But of course that's a problem for the Jews .. sabbath is coming...
3.3.3.1. Deuteronomy 21:23 (ESV) — 23 his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance.
3.3.3.2. ex. The Jews took this commandment seriously. Recounting a slaughter in Jerusalem, Josephus testifies that "[ The Idumeans] actually went so far in their impiety as to cast out the corpses without burial, although the Jews are so careful about funeral rites that even malefactors who have been sentenced to crucifixion are taken down and buried before sunset"
3.3.4. They have to do something about these bodies
3.3.4.1. Jews asked Pilate to take the bodies down (JOHn 19:31)
3.3.4.1.1. John 19:31 (ESV) — 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away.
3.3.4.2. Soldiers go around an break their legs ... but jesus already dead ... spear .. and otu gushes water and blood --- died of a ruptured heart.
3.3.5. So they are all dead, and likely, the result of this would be (especially in Jesus case since he was already rejected and abandoned) - he would be buried in the designated place for criminals outside jerusalem.--- throw him in.
3.3.5.1. This was the fate of jesus.
3.3.5.2. Out comes Joseph
3.3.5.2.1. He asks for the body from Pilate
3.4. Now this is the first time we've heard of Joseph of Arimethea, it will be the last ...
3.4.1. Here's what we know of Joseph
3.4.1.1. Mentioned in all the gospels!
3.4.1.2. He was a jew, from arimathea
3.4.1.2.1. Not sure where that is
3.4.1.2.2. which is likely a variant of Ramah (also known as Ramathaim-zophim), some twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. Edwards Jr., James R.. The Gospel according to Mark (The Pillar New Testament Commentary (PNTC)) (Kindle Location 8578). Eerdmans Publishing Co - A. Kindle Edition.
3.4.1.3. respected member of the council
3.4.1.3.1. Jewish sanhedrin
3.4.1.3.2. But not just member, but a reputable member, honoralbe member ... some influence, some means - people listend to this jsoeph of arimethea
3.4.1.4. He was someone that was looking for the kngdom of God
3.4.1.4.1. meaning he was messianic
3.4.1.4.2. He was fundametnal in his judaism - he was not, like the sadueccees, in cahoots wi the romans.
3.4.1.4.3. he was waiting for a messiah to come!!! kingdom renewed, throne of David restored
3.4.2. we also know ...
3.4.2.1. Luke tells us joseph was a good and righteous man
3.4.2.2. Mathew tells us Joseph was a rich man
3.4.2.2.1. So he's of means
3.4.2.2.2. So he has influence
3.4.2.2.3. So he has position
3.4.2.2.4. So he has reputation
3.4.2.2.5. And he has character
3.4.2.3. John tells us
3.4.2.3.1. John 19:38 (ESV) — 38 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.
3.4.2.3.2. Now that's important as we profile Joseph...
3.4.2.3.3. Important because Luke
3.5. But then this happens, then jesus dies, then it's time to do something with the body, they will get rid of it, dispose of it ... and seomthing hapens... somethign snaps
3.5.1. He does't care any more
3.5.2. he goes and gets the body .. from pilate
3.5.2.1. Think how risky that is!
3.5.2.2. ILL: I mean .. think .. when so crazy shooter let's loose .. who wants to make known they're related? Connected ... susipcion
3.5.2.3. But thsi man desn't care. he's going to get he body. He's associating. He's attaching. He's risking
3.5.2.4. And its' all the stuff he shoudl have done before .. but didn't .. and now .. he doesn't care!
3.5.2.5. it's almost as if ... hes' already lost all that matters --- Jesus ... and so he goes
3.6. Note what the verse says
3.6.1. Mark 15:43 (ESV) — 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took **** courage **** and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
3.6.1.1. he has foudn courage
3.6.1.2. Htere at the cross, there seeing the body, there recognizing through the death who jesus is, as the Centurion did ... there ... he finds courage
3.6.1.2.1. Spurgeon - Is it not a remarkable thing that all the life of Christ did not draw out an open acknowledge from this man? Our Lord’s miracles, His marvelous discourses, His poverty, and self-renunciation, His glorious life of holiness and benevolence, all may have helped to build up Joseph in his secret faith, but it did not suffice to develop in him a bold declaration of faith. The shameful death of the cross had greater power over Joseph than all the beauty of Christ’s life.
3.6.1.3. He's touched, he's moved - and he takes on this endeavor to bury Jesus.
3.6.1.4. It's crazy. so unlikely
3.6.1.4.1. Centurion - head of the crucifixtion
3.6.1.4.2. Joseph - repsectable honored leader who tried jesus!
3.6.2. courage to do what's right is empowered at teh cross .. because when you are give so much .. what do you have to hold onto?
3.6.2.1. RESPECTABILITY often becomes this great hinderance to raw faith
3.6.2.1.1. In taking this body, he aligns this respectability with one that is te most unrespected!
3.6.2.1.2. take up your cross
3.6.2.1.3. PAUL will later follow this route!
3.6.2.1.4. They won’t do that. That’s exactly what Joseph and Nicodemus are doing. They’re using their power, as members of the Sanhedrin, to go and get the body. They’re using their power to do the right thing, but they’re jeopardizing their power. They’re risking the loss of everything. Keller, T. J. (2013). The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive. New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
3.6.2.2. Here’s the first thing that has happened to them: Their attitude toward their own power and their own status has changed. Why? Power, money, and status tend to become not just something you have but something you are. That’s how you feel good about yourself. That’s how you know who you are. “Because I can wear these things, I can go to these restaurants, I know these people, and I live in this place. That’s who I am.” That’s what happens. That’s the reason why people who get power and money very often will say, “Well, I’m doing a lot of good with it.” But there’s a limit to how much good they’ll do with it. They won’t do good with it if to do the right thing jeopardizes the power and money itself. Keller, T. J. (2013). The Timothy Keller Sermon Archive. New York City: Redeemer Presbyterian Church.
3.6.2.3. Remember, again, that this good man, Joseph of Arimathaea, when he took the body of Jesus, brought upon himself ceremonial pollution
3.6.3. Look what happens when he finally gets the body
3.6.3.1. Mark 15:46–47 (ESV) — 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
3.6.3.2. he prepares teh body - shroud
3.6.3.3. not embalming... but preparation
3.6.3.4. tomb .... shelf ... body decayed .... then put in urns .. so a tomb could hold a whoel family, whole heritage
3.6.3.5. But this is not easy work
3.6.3.5.1. Jesus - beat, bloodied body raw
3.6.3.5.2. spear ... blood and water .. thats all over him. He's not cleaned up when joseph gets him.
3.6.3.5.3. He does this btw - we're told... with Nicodemus another council member
3.6.3.5.4. So Jesus body is messed up!
3.6.3.5.5. And they are going to clean it, then annoint it, then wrap it.
3.6.3.5.6. And that's usually the work of a woman (ladies did on resurrection sunday), tahts what poor servants or slaves did .. not men of renown, not men of position ...
3.6.3.6. And btw - this is a dead body!
3.6.3.6.1. What religious leader is going to handle a dead body of a criminal condemned right before teh sabbath on Passover week? Who does that?
3.6.3.6.2. I'll tell you --- one whose live has been subverted by the death of jesus.
3.6.3.6.3. One who now seeing Jesus, the messiah, die withsuch love, such dignity, so even authority ... he's struck, he's gripped.
3.6.3.6.4. And none of those things matter. None of it
3.6.3.6.5. Take his life. It doesn't matter. Associate him with Jesus. Doesn't matter. Condemn him. doesn't matter.
3.6.3.6.6. What has happened???
3.7. What has hapened?
3.7.1. The cross has become personal!! Its like Joseph in burying Jesus .. is not just burying Jesus, but burying himself. He's saying goodbye to his life, to his kingdom ...
3.7.2. This is the importance of the burial ... its a place where you get to die with jesus.!
3.7.2.1. Romans 6:3–4 (ESV) — 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
3.7.2.2. You see ... every believer .. baptized ... why? A moment to say - my life is done. I look at this jesus, at this sacrifice, at this love ...
3.7.2.2.1. he has died for me.
3.7.2.2.2. It's not just that i believe it .. i live it
3.7.2.2.3. I'm dying... to all the thins that held me away from him... i want all he intended on teh cross for my life.
3.8. has that happened?
3.8.1. have you been baptized? Been buried?
3.8.1.1. later this fall
3.8.2. Are you living it?
3.8.2.1. Do you still hide, live in secret?
3.8.2.2. Do you still care and have yoru life governed by
3.8.2.2.1. people's opinions
3.8.2.2.2. positon
3.8.2.2.3. reputation ....
3.8.2.3. Oh hear the invitation to make the cross personal to you today
3.8.2.3.1. He gave it all up, all his postion and reputation and privilege for you and i
3.8.2.3.2. He invites us to join him
3.8.2.3.3. It's the way of the cross ...
3.8.2.3.4. NOT JUST TO BE ADMIRED, but to be lived
3.8.2.4. What would your life look like if you lived that by his spirit?
3.8.2.4.1. Your marriage?
3.8.2.4.2. Your family?
3.8.2.4.3. Your relatinships?
3.8.2.4.4. What would our country look like?
3.8.2.4.5. 9/11 - NEVER FORGET ... yes
4. The burial of Jesus is important ... because it teaches us the love of God is substitutional
4.1. Mark 15:46–47 (ESV) — 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
4.2. Difficult to miss eht imagery here right?
4.2.1. image of the cross
4.2.1.1. Not dififcult to see the point - Jesus is there instead of barrabbas. Jesus suffers so Barabas can be free
4.2.2. image of the tomb
4.2.2.1. Jesus is prepared by Joseph
4.2.2.1.1. All through the gospel... jesus is caring for peole. but now, here .. he's body is cared for
4.2.2.2. Jesus is laid in a tomb .. jospehs
4.2.2.2.1. Matthew 27:60 (ESV) — 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, ....
4.2.3. so at the end of the day... you're like - joseph that should have been you. There's this transposing... the exchange of positions CHrist is dead, he si buried, .. in your tomb
4.2.3.1. Jesus was the substitute
4.2.3.2. This is the gospel - God has place CHrist in us.
4.3. But that's on a personal level, there's also something else happening here...
4.3.1. THe death of Jesus has dones something, changed something. changed the way life works the way victory is seen, the way life is evaluated
4.3.1.1. They wanted Jesus to fight the enemy, slay the oppressors ... and Jesus did that... buthe had a different view of who the enemy was, who the oppressor was
4.3.1.2. Jesus came to defeat sin, to crush death, to defang and break the serpent.
4.3.1.3. an dhe does this .. how? He does this by taking on the curse of ADAM
4.3.1.4. Adam sinned he is told he will die .. and in some sense he did
4.3.1.5. But now here is Jesus ... laid to rest ... dead .. in a tomb ... in a what? GARDEN!!!
4.3.1.6. Adam - removed from teh garden, died alienated outside
4.3.1.6.1. but his tomb will be there
4.3.1.6.2. ANd that tomb .. .new .... yes for history.. but also fro theology
4.3.1.6.3. Jesus will be a new adam, that is laid in a new tomb ... he will be the first
4.3.1.6.4. he will give hpoe to those that want to die with im.. they will rise with him...
4.3.1.6.5. will you do that? will you come?
5. The burial of Jesus is important ... because It reminds us that in dark days, God's rule is still providential
5.1. There are two ways in which God governs his creation
5.1.1. miracles
5.1.1.1. Miracles is when God accomplishes his will inspite of the nautural laws
5.1.1.2. So when Jesus walks on water - well, he's suspending the natural law of gravity
5.1.1.3. Or when Jesus multiplies food, he's suspending the natural law of ... bread eating ..! :) When you eat bread, the supplies shrink, not grows.
5.1.2. Providence
5.1.2.1. PRovidence is when God accomplishes his will exacxtly as He plans, purposes, promises and prophesies through the natural course of things.
5.1.2.2. .. and God does this through orchestrating all the free behaviors of all poeple , all events, all actions and reactions
5.1.2.3. ILL: Big family getting to pt A ... and parent is determined it will happen without having to pick up little Hosanna to do it!!
5.2. about his suffering
5.2.1. Free choices
5.2.1.1. It was ... judas that betrayed Jesus
5.2.1.2. ... disciples that chose to abandon Jesus
5.2.1.3. ... religious leaders taht chose to try Jesus
5.2.1.4. ... Pilate that chose to condemn jesus
5.2.1.5. ... the crowd that chose to reject Jesus - Give us barrabas ...
5.2.1.6. But all of these decisions, made freely by each person, was not rays of chaos coincidentally happening so that Jesus would be crucified. NO - these all fit under the providential plan of God to accomplish the redeeming of his people!
5.2.2. Jesus said it -
5.2.2.1. ch 9 - it is written, the son of man will suffer many things and be treated with contempt
5.2.2.2. It is written that the son of man will be betrayed .. but woe to that man by whom it goes ... better if he were never born
5.2.2.3. It is written - "Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter" - - disciples - you will all fall away tonight.
5.2.3. So all of his death - not chance, not chaos, not coincidences ... NO! God's providence, God's will was working ...
5.2.3.1. so important - It's very easy in the light of death to believe that Chaos reigns.
5.3. Look what happened
5.3.1. Mark 15:44–45 (ESV) — 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph.
5.3.2. Mark 15:46–47 (ESV) — 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
5.4. How Jesus was buried
5.4.1. Taken down by a rich / influential man
5.4.2. Wrapped in a fine linen shroud
5.4.3. Placed in Joseph's tomb
5.4.4. All point to this
5.4.4.1. Isaiah 53:9 (ESV) — 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.
5.4.4.2. explain
5.4.4.3. pt; God is in control here.
5.5. 9/11 - Ravi Zacharias - where is God in the midst of suffering?
5.5.1. #1- 7 firemen of Ladder 6 of the New York Fire department hleping 69 year old lady down from 73rd floor of one of the world trade centers
5.5.1.1. go down slowly
5.5.1.2. she stopped. rest, go
5.5.1.3. often ready to give up... can't do this ... they encouraged her ..
5.5.1.4. 4th floor - she stopped. sat down.
5.5.1.5. No more, too tired, unwilling to go
5.5.1.6. They waited, encouraged her, but she could not move
5.5.1.7. ANd they refused to leave her
5.5.1.8. Suddenly - heard noise, floor gave way , building was collapsing .. they felt a great force, ended n the ground
5.5.1.8.1. On prayed "GOd, if this is it, please let it be quick"
5.5.1.9. smoke cleared ..
5.5.1.9.1. THey happened to be at the one point, the one point, that stayed in tact ... and theyjust rested on the rubble
5.5.1.9.2. If they had forced here, the whole 4th floor woudl have crushed them!
5.6. So many of our days will look like the cross, and all you have is what seems like death .. and all that is before you is death
5.6.1. Can you trust that God is still in control? Can you believe that?
5.6.2. Here's Jsoeph - had he come out from the beginning, and stayed with Jesus - would he have been tried? had he been one of the 12, would he not have fled like the 12? --- would he have been in the position here to get the body?
5.6.3. You see, God's providence is even over our failure, our fear --- he works all things together for good..
5.6.4. and that all things doesn't always feel good.
5.6.4.1. ex. delays
5.6.4.2. ex. lose
5.6.4.3. ex. disappointments
5.6.4.4. ex. frustraton
5.6.4.4.1. esp when we want something so badly... and it doesn't happen
5.6.4.5. ex. even sin!
5.7. Applicaotin
5.7.1. Trust GOd! Lean on him! Run to him!
5.7.2. Believe God is still on the throne.
5.7.3. Joseph knew none of this ... he didn't think ... oh yeah... jesus .. death... tomb of a rich man.. me!
5.7.4. he simply did what was right in the moment
5.7.4.1. "here's jesus .. he needs a proper burial" - he does this.. he does what is before him!!!
6. Greetings
6.1. 15th Anniversary
6.1.1. The cross sets our heart in both lament for sin and hope in redemption, and today we want to do both
6.1.2. Our service - sing (set heart) / word / sing / prayer