Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!”

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It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun's light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
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Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

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It is Saturday. The day after the brutal crucifixion. Nothing much is written about what the disciples did on Saturday. I wonder if they were haunted by the events of Friday? Perhaps these last words of Jesus committing his spirit rang strong in their hearts? I was there when my first wife breathed her last. The imagery of such situations make a strong and lasting impression. The darkness descending and the temple curtain tearing were such surreal events.

Perhaps they were also thinking about the courage that Joseph showed defying the council and asking Pilate for the body of Jesus. Interesting how God often meets our needs in the strangest of ways. Joseph's story is an encouraging one. Through this man of courage and generosity the Father provided a tomb for his Son. Yet he would only need it for a short time. For in just a few days the tomb would be empty and available for use once again.

Even in death you are there meeting our needs Lord. Thank you that the tomb would be empty on Sunday.

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