Then consider Joseph, one with power on the Jewish Council. He also loved and followed God with his heart. He “lived expectantly, on the lookout for the Kingdom of God” and he realized Kingdom come right before his eyes. So, building courage and strength he asks for the body of Jesus to give dignity and respect.

What is the extent and depth of my followership, love, and devotion to the One who loves me most? When tragedy comes, will I still follow, even if it is “from a distance”? Do I give the Son of God the respect He deserves?

Mark 15, The Message
Taken to a Tomb
40-41 There were women watching from a distance, among them Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and Joses, and Salome. When Jesus was in Galilee, these women followed and served him, and had come up with him to Jerusalem.

42-45 Late in the afternoon, since it was the Day of Preparation (that is, Sabbath eve), Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Jewish Council, came. He was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God. Working up his courage, he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate questioned whether he could be dead that soon and called for the captain to verify that he was really dead. Assured by the captain, he gave Joseph the corpse.

46-47 Having already purchased a linen shroud, Joseph took him down, wrapped him in the shroud, placed him in a tomb that had been cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the opening. Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of Joses, watched the burial.

How deep the women’s love for Him. They could not leave or look away. Joseph could not let others keep mocking him even in death.

How deep the Father’s love for us, what is the depth of our love to Him? Let’s take time to think this through today, all day long.

In Jesus Name, Amen