The Roman party of torture has lost its appeal,
as they realize it’s over, their target died on the hill.
They assume it the end with nothing much gained,
but those who understand hang heads down in shame.
Silence and sorrow intensify fears,
as the base of the cross captures blood, water, and tears.
From a distance His mourners hold each other and cry
while onlookers with questions return to their lives.
In a moment of revelation, the Lamb has been slain.
Now they must hold on to the prayers in His name.
The sacrifice complete for the weight of the world,
but it does not feel like a victory unfurled.
Questions consume many who stand there that day.
“Was this right or wrong?” and “Should I run away?”
Or “How do we process a ministry lost?
Did three years of progress just die on a cross?”
The Sabbath still looming, time is now crucial,
but permission is needed for a body removal.
The rich man grows brave and makes way to Pilate.
He steps far from the council, determined to right it.
Pilate wants to be sure, requests confirmation,
“He’s already dead?” he asks with consternation.
Rome confirms yes, the King of the Jews lies dead.
So Pilate grants access with, “That’s fine, go ahead.”
Joseph buys a long linen cloth for his Jesus
and gathers supplies with help from Nicodemus.
They bring down His body and wrap Him in all white,
preparing with spices and unclean acts of rite.
Respect rushed by nightfall, they give honor deserved,
and a rich man’s grave accepts the weight of the Word.
The women of Galilee watch from aside,
as witness of mourning and passing of time.
They step back into the dusty path of the garden,
desperate for some kind of last-minute pardon.
They stare at the tomb that belongs to Jesus alone.
They say their goodbyes and block the entrance with stone.
All go in hiding, with concerns for their safety,
and begin asking, “What’s happened? Are we crazy?”
A visit to Pilate shows the Pharisees marred
by the threats He will rise, so “Seal the tomb, post the guard.”
Now that will show them that He is not who He said!
Now they can’t claim He is risen from the dead.
Losing control of the law? Not us. Never!
We will be sure to end this now and forever.
But what feels like forever has a new end in sight
as a Sabbath in silence launches the fight.
For Jesus was busy in a realm yet unseen
with things not yet understood by prophecy or dream.
Some say to paradise, some say preached to the prison.
Some say the harrowing of Hell within vision.
Whether keys in the grasp or placed by Father’s throne,
redemption makes clear what the enemy can’t own.
The dedicated seek comfort as the new day is dawned.
The Sabbath is over, codes of honor stay strong.
Mary is burdened by burial incomplete,
and she heads for the tomb to anoint head to feet.
As she questions with friends but feels so alone,
the earth began shaking and soon sets the tone.
Shockwaves and awe welcome them to the garden,
the stone now not blocking the way of the pardoned.
The guards are not guarding what they thought was easy,
as appearances of hope leave some feeling queasy.
An angel outside, or two dazzling within,
they offer up comfort like a familiar friend.
“Don’t be afraid, your Lord is not here.
Risen like He said, no reason to fear.
Go and tell now the others that Jesus is free.
And they will soon meet Him in Galilee.”
To be continued . . .
