Station 14, Day 1

Station 14, Day 1

Jesus is laid in the tomb

Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a rock-hewn tomb where no one had ever been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning.

 Luke 23:50-54

Meditation

            We cannot know how many members of the Sanhedrin opposed Jesus. We do know, however, there were at least two who recognized something that set him apart from other false prophets claiming to be the Messiah – Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Nicodemus came to Jesus one night to question him alone (John 3:1-21). The author of Luke records that Joseph was “waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.” The fact that he was even present at Jesus’ death probably indicates that Joseph recognized Jesus could well be the Messiah. The fact that he remained a member of the Temple leadership probably confirms his uncertainty.

Spiritual discipline

Fast for the next 5 days by altering what you eat for lunch. Perhaps eat only an apple, or at least a significantly smaller quantity of food than normal. When you finish lunch and do not feel satiated, remember Jesus laying in the cold, dark tomb.

Prayer

            Understanding Lord, like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, I often have doubts about you. Too often, I hold to my comfortable traditions and am reluctant to stray from them to reach out to you. Help my unbelief, I pray. Amen.

This is the 44^th in a daily series titled The Stations of the Cross that will run through Easter 2026, at which time I will return to my weekly Life Notes. Life Notes are my explorations into mysteries that interest me. They are invitations for readers to explore more deeply into life’s mysteries. Engage with me or explore contemplative spiritual direction at ghildenbrand@outlook.com.