Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Luke 23:50-56.
As a member of the Sanhedrin and a rich man, Joseph of Arimathea seems an unlikely disciple. Yet the Lord’s Word had brought Joseph to faith. Looking for the kingdom of God, Joseph actually got to see the King bringing His kingdom, though Joseph probably didn’t expect to see it as he buried the Savior. As Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths as a baby, now Jesus was wrapped in a linen shroud for His burial. Joseph’s unused tomb teaches the uniqueness of what Jesus accomplished by His death and also serves as further evidence that Jesus is the One who was raised on the third day. Jesus’ burial takes place quickly, as both He and His followers observe the Sabbath according to the commandment. Jesus’ burial gives comfort to Christians that they have been clothed with Christ, and as He was raised from His rest in the tomb, so will all His faithful ones be raised from their rest in their tombs.
“The Beloved Physician’s Orderly Account” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Gospel according to St. Luke. The Evangelist wrote his well-researched account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection so that Theophilus would have certainty concerning the things he had been taught. As we still read the Word of God recorded by St. Luke, our gracious Lord gives us that same certainty that Jesus is our Savior.
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.
Luke 23:50-56
Jesus Is Buried
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.[a] 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.
On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Footnotes
- Luke 23:54 Greek was dawning
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
