“Nothing Left To Do” – MARK 15:42-47

Shock.

There is no other way to describe it at this point. Just shock. So much time spent and so much hope born in so many people. All because of this amazing teacher. Sure the miracles were something special, but His words pierced hearts.

Jesus had the people excited again, and the faith He stirred gathered together so many of the lost sheep of Israel. When He came into Jerusalem everyone came out to welcome Him. It was a great day for the downtrodden. It was a great day for Israel. They were looking for the kingdom of God (15:43) and placed their hope in Jesus.

But, now there was nothing left to do but bury Him.

Shame.

Why would a prominent man like Joseph of Arimathea (15:43) go to ask for Jesus’ body so boldly? To the Romans he was a common trouble-maker who received Roman justice administered with humiliating brutality like so many others before Him. To the Sanhedrin Council He was a threat that had been dealt with for the good of Israel. Why was Joseph not ashamed? Why would he bother with the mangled body of the Nazarene? Jesus was dead. The problem was solved. Pilate was amazed that He died so soon (15:44), but his work was done.

There was nothing left to do but bury Him, but why Joseph?

Honor.

Joseph knew Jesus and he knew it was an injustice that had been carried out. He was honored among his Jewish peers (15:43) and he understood the shame they bore. How ironic that the Passover (15:42) was a time to celebrate and honor Yahweh’s gracious treatment of the Hebrew people and it was at this time that Jews had so horribly treated one of their own. In perhaps one of the most surreal and sanguine scenes in scripture, the bloodied body of Jesus is tenderly wrapped in fine linen and placed in a tomb intended for men above His station in life (15:46). Joseph was moved to honor Jesus.

Now, there was nothing left to do but roll the stone into place.

Grief.

Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ mother Mary simply watched (15:47). The Jews had taken Jesus away and the Romans had killed Him. The disciples were scattered. How empty they must have felt. They did they only thing they could do, they watched and took note of the location of the tomb so they could do more after the Passover Sabbath.

Now, there was nothing left to do but wait.

Knowing the “rest of the story” removes so much of the impact of this day in history. How often do we ponder the emptiness we would know without Christ? The death of Jesus is sublime. The work of Joseph is commendable. The actions of Pilate and the Council are shameful. The emotions of Mary and Mary and unimaginable. The power of God was coiled and ready to change our destiny!

For now, is there anything left for YOU to do?