Luke 23:50-54 – 50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning.

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Mark 16:1-3 – When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”

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Joseph walked the tightrope of being a religious leader as well as a follower of Jesus. It isn’t the disciples who come and care for Jesus body, but this man, Joseph. Joseph ensures his body is prepared, anointed, and laid to rest in a tomb. It wasn’t his responsibility, but he did it anyways. For humans, this is the end of the story. After being buried, there is no more life on this earth. The darkness has descended. If we watch this story from the perspective of Joseph or the women who are making their way to the tomb, this is the end of the story.

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Listen to or read the lyrics of “And Can It Be”. As you do, lay down. Just as Jesus died and was buried, we are also, as Paul writes, “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20). You may get wet or dirty, however as this is the end of the stations of the cross; you can go home soon.

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And Can It Be (Sagina)

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Verse 1

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood
Died He for me who caused His pain
For me who Him to death pursued
Amazing love how can it be
That Thou my God shouldst die for me
Amazing love how can it be
That Thou my God shouldst die for me

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Verse 2

He left His Father's throne above
So free so infinite His grace
Emptied Himself of all but love
And bled for Adam's helpless race
'Tis mercy all immense and free
For O my God it found out me
'Tis mercy all immense and free
For O my God it found out me

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Verse 3

No condemnation now I dread
Jesus and all in Him is mine
Alive in Him my living Head
And clothed in righteousness divine
Bold I approach th'eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own
Bold I approach th'eternal throne
And claim the crown through Christ my own

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You are now done the stations of the cross. Go in peace.