Matthew 27:61
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Today we continue with the time in-between Jesus’ death and resurrection by examining, up close, a small detail that Matthew’s deems important enough to include in his account. Read Matthew 27:61 noting any questions that arise.
We saw earlier that many women followed Jesus from the beginning of his ministry in Galilee, and now Matthew tells us that Mary Magdalene and the “other Mary” are sitting and watching as Joseph of Arimathea wraps Jesus’ lifeless body, lays it in the garden tomb, and seals the door. Matthew indicates that these women are not simply pausing for a moment; they have settled in to watch. But what are they watching for?
These women didn’t need to jettison professions or causes to follow Jesus – society did not generally afford them these privileges. But Jesus obviously welcomed them into his community and allowed them to learn along with his male followers. And it is highly probable that these women, seated a short distance from Jesus’ burial site, believe that Jesus will do exactly what he said he would do. They were most likely present when the stone was rolled away from the tomb in Bethany and Lazarus emerged bandaged but full of life, so now they wait for Jesus to return to them.
Get still for a moment and imagine yourself in the societal situation of these women. Imagine that your role in life has been determined for you and you have little agency over your choices. Then imagine what it would be like to be invited to go on a transformative journey with Jesus and be welcomed in as part of his community. Stay with this for a while and share your thoughts with Jesus.
Read Matthew 27:61 again.
Recall again these words about faith from the author of the letter to the Hebrews:
“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” – Hebrews 1:1
For the remainder of this meditation, consider asking the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus, to speak to you about your faith in him. Take some time to sit and watch to see what Jesus will say to you through the example of these women.
What might Jesus be inviting you to do today?
Will you?
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