From Womb to Tomb. Matthew 27:57-61 NLT

Here's what struck me studying these verses: 

Jesus had come from a virgin womb. After His death on the cross, He was laid in a virgin tomb. This tomb had never been used before Jesus lay there. It was a sacrifice on Joseph of Arimathea's part. It was probably carved from solid rock. John 19 tells us the tomb was in a garden. 

John 19: 41 "The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before." 

Sin started in a garden, was placed on Jesus in a garden and now He lay in a garden. 

John 19 also tells us the tomb was near "The place of crucifixion", Calvery. This is a perfect reminder that when sin ends forgiveness begins. When we surrender  our lives and sin at the feet of Jesus on the cross we rise to a new life with Christ. What a powerful imagery. 

I found it interesting that again Matthew describes the women as watching. In verse 55 they were "watching from a distance." In verse 61 below they are "sitting across from the tomb and watching." 

Are you watching? Are you waiting? We should follow these women's example, following Jesus, sitting at His feet and watching for His return. 

Matthew 27:57-61 NLT 

The Burial of Jesus 

57 As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who had become a follower of Jesus,  58 went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him.  59 Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth.  60 He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance and left.  61 Both Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting across from the tomb and watching. 

Blessings, Cecilia