What Jesus Did! 'Where His Body Was Placed' — Mark 15:47

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.
— Mark 15:47 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' death was confirmed by those in authority. Jesus was buried by friends - Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus [1] took him down off the cross, wrapped his body, and buried him - and his tomb was secured. [2] The women who had faithfully accompanied Jesus through his whole ordeal now saw his lifeless body placed in the tomb. His followers felt that all hope was gone. The full realization of Jesus' death had settled into the hearts of his followers. There were no doubts about any of the harsh realities of his life's end. Why is all of this so important? You can't have a resurrected Jesus without first having a dead Jesus. [3]

[1] John 19:39.
[2] Matthew 27:62-66.
[3] 1 Corinthians 15:1-7.

Today's Prayer

O Father, the witness of these women helps make Jesus' death and burial emotionally and factually real to me. I can only imagine their heartbreak and their deep sense of loss. However, dear Lord, this heartbreak also makes their testimony to Jesus' resurrection even more powerful. Thank you for their faithful witness which makes the anguish they bore a reason for hope and not a hopeless end. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 19:38-42
  • Luke 23:55-56
  • Mark 16:1-7

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Surely!
Article by Phil Ware
A hardened elite soldier in Rome's army comes face-to-face with the Son of God. Phil Ware looks at the Centurions in the New Testament and reminds us that they often believed in Jesus, and one in particular, can lead us to Jesus, the cross, and our salvation.

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 15:47 NLT — Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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