Matthew 27:45-66
Two days ago I commented on the Jewish leaders back at the Temple, reflecting on the darkness and the curtain of the Temple being torn in two. Today Matthew adds more to Luke’s account: …the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. (v. 51) Again, the darkness, the torn curtain, the earthquake… Those Jewish leaders in the Temple area had to have been stunned by what they were seeing and feeling and to wonder seriously about what they had done. Try to picture it, folks. Back in Exodus the plague of darkness was described as …a darkness that could be felt. (Exodus 10:21b) I am certain that this crucifixion darkness would also have been felt! Especially by those who had made it happen…
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. (v. 57) I’m touched by this man, Joseph of Arimathea. All four gospels speak of him going to Pilate and asking for Jesus’ body. John even adds that he …was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews… (John 19:38b), and Mark reports that he …took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:43b) It took Jesus’ crucifixion and maybe those additional events of that day (the darkness, the earthquake, the curtain) for Joseph to summon the courage to announce himself as a follower of Jesus. I’m wondering what it takes for us to step out in faith and announce ourselves as followers of Jesus. I don’t mean to be that dramatic – essentially I’m wondering what it is that we are holding back, what is to be our next step of faith. Yes, each of us, what’s our next step??
See also: December 5 / Matt. 27:45-56; December 10 / Matt. 27:57-66