IF IN CHRIST WE HAVE HOPE
SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
~ 1 Corinthians 15:19 ~
With the crucifixion complete, a man known as Joseph of Arimathea courageously went to Pilate on Friday afternoon to acquire Christ’s body, before lovingly wrapping it in cloths, and carefully laying him in his new tomb. The timing of this was critical, as with Friday evening came not only the end of the Passover, but also the beginning of the Sabbath day along with its accompanying restrictions. With Jesus’ body secured in the tomb, his friends and followers endured a sad and reflective Sabbath as they mourned their friend. Undoubtedly, this would not only have been a day of grieving, but also of uncertainty as they begin to wrestle through questions of ‘Why?’ and fought to come to terms with what had taken place on Good Friday.
Meanwhile, the religious leaders took a different course of action on this day. Concerned with the magnitude of Jesus’ ministry and desirous of moving forward from his death quickly, these men sought out Pilate for some additional assistance in guarding the tomb. It wasn’t that they thought there would be a resurrection, but rather they were anxious that the disciples would come to steal Christ’s body and claim that he had risen from the dead. How thankful we are that our hope is not in the ideology of Jesus, but is grounded in the resurrected person of Jesus! We have hope, not because he merely died, but because he actually rose again and conquered both sin and death! We hope in the person of Jesus Christ who has paid the penalty for our sins through his death, but who also offers us life through his resurrection. A life that is both abundant in this life and in the life to come - may our hope be anchored in the reality of who Christ is and what he has accomplished for us!
Today’s Readings: [64 verses]
^Matthew 27:61-66
^[1 Corinthians 15:1-58]
***Reading Suggestion: Read slowly and thoughtfully. Each day’s reading has been arranged chronologically, which means for some days there are multiple passages (occasionally requiring some flipping back and forth), please read in the order listed to stay on track. I’ve opted for shorter readings to allow more time for thought and reflection. Avoid the urge to just “get the reading done,” but rather take time to consider and contemplate Jesus this week as the reading takes you through what he experienced each day. I pray this will be an encouragement to you which causes you to more fully appreciate our great Savior - may your love, appreciation, and joy in him continue to expand in this Easter season!
***Resource Suggestion: A Harmony of the Gospels, One Perfect Life