Luke 23:50-56; ; Luke 24:1-12
The intervention of Joseph of Arimathaea shows us that in this man grace has reached one of the, rich people who are so often mentioned in Luk (cf. Luke 18:24; Matthew 27:57) and at one and the same time one of the leaders of the people. This disciple has been specially prepared for the service he now fulfills, that of entombing the Lord’s body according to Isaiah 53:9. The Spirit next shows us the devoted women of whom it is repeated that they had accompanied the Lord Jesus from Galilee (vv. 49, 55). They stood at Calvary. Then, with more affection than understanding, they prepared ointments to anoint His body. Finally we see them going to the sepulchre on the morning of the first day of the week and having an amazing encounter there. Two angels are there to tell them that their preparations are unnecessary: He whom they seek is no longer in the tomb; He is risen.
The Christian experience of many a child of God goes no further than the cross. The surprised question at the end of v. 5 could be addressed to them. Dear friends, let us rejoice! The Lord Jesus is not only a Saviour who died on the cross for our sins. He is alive for evermore (Revelation 1:18), and we live with Him (John 14:19).