Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

Mark 15:42-47

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43

I continue my study of Mark, focusing on Mark 15:42-47.  

Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: Jesus has died and yet He continues to inspire a following - vv43, 47.  Through Him, in death there is life. 
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: While it may have been custom to ensure people receive a "proper burial" upon death, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, indeed demonstrates extraordinary courage - fighting for Jesus more openly even after Jesus' death.  Clearly, Joseph cared for Jesus and John 19:38-40 shares how he was a secret disciple and John's account provides additional details of how Nicodemus - also a member of the Sanhedrin - joins Joseph to bury Jesus (see also John chapters 3 and 7 for earlier encounters of Nicodemus with Jesus).   
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): We should claim the promise that through Jesus' sacrifice (and ultimate resurrection) we have new life in Him.  We should follow the example of  Joseph of Arimathea and be courageous with our faith.   

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves!  You loved and saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You...thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.