Daily Devotional for Sunday, May 24

The Transaction of Joseph

“This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid,” Luke 23:52, 53.

The prophet Isaiah wrote one of the greatest prophetical texts concerning the Messiah in all of the Bible. Seven hundred years prior to the time of Jesus, Isaiah wrote concerning His death. “And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth” (Isaiah 53:9).  This prophecy was fulfilled by the transaction of Joseph (Luke 23:50). Matthew in his gospel wrote about Joseph and said, “When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple” (Matthew 27:57).

In ordinary conditions Jesus would have been buried with the other criminals because the authorities had judged and crucified Him as one. But God had other plans. God always vindicates and honors His servants in this life or in the next (Isaiah 54:17).  Jesus, the innocent servant did not have a common and dishonorable burial like criminals would customarily receive. After doing His Father’s will and suffering the cruel cross of Calvary, God made sure His only begotten Son was honored by being buried with the wealthy in a tomb of distinction. As Scripture records, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). Three days later Jesus was further vindicated in his resurrection. Jesus Christ will also receive a future vindication because one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Do you believe that mere man can thwart God’s purposes in your life. Do not fear what man can do unto you, God will always vindicate and honor His true servants.

Jonathon D. Smith