The Tomb Is Sealed

Day 42: March 30^th Holy Saturday

Scripture: Matthew 27:57-66

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise his disciples may go and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

Sit quietly.  Reflect on the Good Friday worship service you attended yesterday.

What did you hear? What did you see?  What did you feel?

Read the scripture for today.  What do you feel?

Write about it.

Imagine the guards sealing up the tomb. What does that feel like?  Watch them in your mind roll a large stone over the opening to the cave.  As they shut up the tomb imagine the glory and joy of tomorrow. 

What does it mean that the tomb didn’t stay shut?  What does the Resurrection mean to you? 

Ask God for insight into the Resurrection.  Ask God to reveal to you the meaning of victory over death.  Ask God how this makes a difference in your life.

Now take time to listen for the answers.

In our print prayer journals we have a space for Notes, Ideas, Drawings, and Observations.  Feel free to keep your own journal.  Or share your ideas, prayers, and observations in the comments section below.