Walking With Jesus: An 8-Day Exploration Through Holy WeekSample

Day 7 | Finding Hope
The Savior of the world is dead. What more is there to say about the time following the cross? There are things to say. Much more is happening behind the scenes than a sealed tomb would lead us to believe.
After Jesus died on the cross, His body was taken down and prepared for burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy follower of Jesus, volunteered his tomb outside the city of Jerusalem for (what everyone thought) would be Jesusās final resting place.
āJoseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left. Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watchingā (Matthew 27:59-61 NLT).
Since Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, all burial preparations had to be done before sundown on Friday to avoid working on a day the Jewish law set aside for rest. But while everyone else was mourning the loss of their friend, some surprising people were working on that Sabbath day, namely the religious leaders. Arenāt these guys supposed to be following the religious laws to the T? Theyāre the ones who enforce the laws, after all. Yet again, the hypocrisy of the religious leaders seems boundless.
āOn the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, āSir, we remember what that deceiver once said while He was still alive: āAfter three days I will rise from the dead.ā So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent His disciples from coming and stealing His body and then telling everyone He was raised from the dead! If that happens, weāll be worse off than we were at first.ā āPilate replied, āTake guards and secure it the best you can.ā So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect itā (Matthew 27:62-66 NLT).
Wait! I thought the religious leaders didnāt believe Jesusās claims that He would rise from the dead. Didnāt they just put Him to death for claiming to be the Son of God? Turns out, the religious leaders may have harbored a few more suspicions about Jesusās true identity than they were letting onāa reality that only magnifies their guilt.
The religious leaders are hoping nothing will happen, but they are preparing as if the words of Jesus will become reality. It is what His disciples should have been doing, putting their hope in His promise to rise again. But hope is a fragile thing to preserve when the door of the tomb is shut tight.
How could they have held to hope in the waiting? How do we hold onto hope in the darkest days as we wait on the promises of God to become reality?
Instead of giving into fear, doubt, and the evidence of current circumstances that all tell us God has forsaken His promises, we cling to what we know is true: God is faithful to His word. āGod is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?ā (Numbers 23:19).
Oh, that the disciples would have gathered, not in fear, but to encourage each other to trust in God. Instead of going to the tomb expecting a gravesite, what if the women had gone expecting to find it empty? Imagine if Joseph of Arimathea had not only prepared Jesus for His burial but prepared to have a feast ready to welcome Him after He rose. What if they had all simply believed Jesus and waited with expectation?
In their grief, Jesusās friends and family were overwhelmed by fear and doubt. We donāt blame them, but we can learn from them.
Waiting may not be welcome, but it is a reality for us all. Whatever youāre waiting on today, hold on to hope. Believe God is a promise keeper who does the impossible. Do what can be done as you waitāsurround yourself with godly people and remember Godās past faithfulness as you cling to hope togetherābut above all, expect that what God promises will come to pass in His way and in His own time.
Reflection Question: What are you currently waiting on?
Reflect on how you've engaged with godly community and endeavored to align with God's will while trusting in His timing during this period of waiting. How can you sustain a sense of eager anticipation?
As Easter approaches, take time to commune with God, finding solace in resting in Him during this season of waiting.
About this Plan

An Easter devotional featuring podcast teacher Tara-Leigh Cobble from āThe Bible Recap.ā This 8-day exploration of the events of Holy Week allows you to walk with Jesus through the momentous days from Palm Sunday through Easter. Along with devotional content that helps bring the personal experience of Jesus to life.
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