Station 14, Day 2

Station 14, Day 2

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

            Joseph of Arimathea, one of the Jewish authorities, goes to Pilate for permission to bury the body of Jesus. The lifeless body is removed from the cross, wrapped in cloth, and given to Joseph, who places it in a newly-hewn tomb and leaves it there. A large stone is rolled in front of the entrance to the tomb to secure it.

            The fact that no other bodies had been laid in the tomb before is an important detail for fulfilling an Old Testament prophesy.

Spiritual discipline

            Meditate for 10 minutes on Jesus in the tomb. Picture yourself standing beside the body. Feel the darkness of the tomb. Is it cold and damp? Absorb the silence. After the chaotic final hours, the body rests. Rest in the presence of Jesus in the tomb.

Prayer

            My Jesus, my Savior, traveling the Stations of the Cross with you has left me drained, emotionally and physically. I cannot imagine how it left you feeling. As you now rest and wait, I rest and wait with you. Amen.

This is the 45^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.