Deuteronomy 10:12-11:32; Song of Solomon 1:1-2:7; Luke 9:18-36
It was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea…asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:42-43, NKJV
His request granted, Joseph purchased the linen needed to wrap the body. Then he took down the body of the Lord. Picture him bending with tears over the almost unrecognizable features so beloved, tenderly wrapping that precious body with the best linen in the world. Carrying his precious burden, Joseph was now ceremonially unclean and unable to take part in Passover—perhaps for the first time in his life. Preparation Day. Joseph unwittingly preparing for a new Sabbath, for Resurrection Day. Prepare and then worship. —M. MacMullen
Amidst us our Beloved stands,
And bids us view His pierced hands. —A. P. Gibbs