April 17, 2022

Christ’s Burial: Rich Provision

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: Luke 23:50-56
Service Type:

Introduction

Considering the last few verses

The burial of Jesus Christ
We often hear of the death and resurrection – but not the burial
Quote from Paul
His burial was prophesied by Isaiah

The heart of the Gospel message is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ

Without this we would have no hope
Christ came to save sinners

Consider the word provision

Christ made no burial plans – but this was provided for Him
God is a God of provision

We will lack no good thing
God provides for creation and provides for us
Quote from Psalms

Jesus provided in times of great necessity

Water into wine
The feeding of the 5’000
Cooking the disciples a breakfast
Healing, raising a child from the dear

He made no provision for His own burial – although He spelled out His death

No funeral plans or arrangements
He trusted His heavenly Father

Overview: the provision of a new Tomb

A remarkable provision
A costly provision
A worthy provision

A Remarkable Provision

The Jews did not want Jesus’ death to occur on the Sabbath

Thus there was little time to prepare the body
Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body

Would Pilate have listened to someone other than Joseph of Arimathea?

He is a member of the Sanhedrin
He is influential
Yet is was the Sanhedrin who were instrumental in Jesus’ death
Jesus was not to be thrown with the other criminals

Nicodemus went with Joseph
Reading v50-52
He took the body (with Nicodemus) and placed it in the tomb

Example of God’s provision: Rahab, Moses, David, Elijah, Jesus

The most unusual of people in the most unusual of circumstances

Application:

Nothing is impossible with God
Fulfillment of Scripture

A Costly Provision
Joseph of Arimathea

It was a risk for Joseph of Arimathea to go to Pilate

He was a prominent council member
He took courage and went – even though people may have turned against Him

There is a testing delay

Reading Mark 15:44-45

Ps 34:20

After finding out from the Centurion Pilate granted the body to Joseph of Arimathea

Christianity is not easy

Jesus must be Lord of our life
He demands total devotion
He tells us to daily take up our cross and follow Him

Costly love

Joseph of Arimathea is now confessing Jesus openly

Mary shows her devotion with the anointing of Jesus

He gave his own tomb – Matthew 27:60

Have you thought about where you might be laid to rest?
He would have needed another tomb for himself
There was no mistaking the location of this tomb

Nicodemus

Reading John 19:39-40
He gives so much

What does it cost us to follow Jesus Christ?

A Worthy Provision

The days of Jesus humiliation were over and the days of His exaltation were to begin

There was an indignity about death
Yet He was given power to lay down and to take up His life

This new tomb represents His exaltation

No-one was permitted to see it
A body that allowed Him to appear behind locked doors
He shows Himself for 40 days – His disciples and 500 others see Him
He is ascended into heaven, is reigning with God in heaven and He will come again
Isaiah 53:9
Christ rises from the dead

Closing Remarks

Reading v53-56

In order to fulfill Scripture Jesus had to rise on the third day
The women were not expecting this
The tomb was gloriously empty

The resurrection is the basis of Christianity

Consider the evidence – Christ has risen
Believe in Him, follow Him