A superficial of this portion of Bible Scripture (Matthew 27:57-66) shows that the characters in it (Joseph of Arimathea, Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary). Have a keen sense of commitment, of loyalty and dedication to their cause of following Jesus Christ. A profound reading of the same passage reveals the sacrificial tone of their commitment. Not only did they demonstrate their faithfulness in following Jesus Christ, even unto His death and burial, they also sacrificed something special and precious to them to ensure that Jesus Christ received a befitting burial. Joseph of Arimathea personally sacrificially gave his own tomb and time, risking even his life and rich social status to ask Pilate for body of Jesus Christ for burial.
Also, on the other hand, at the expense of their lives and comfort, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the grave of Jesus Christ to demonstrate their unalloyed sacrificial commitment as disciples of Jesus Christ.
In fact, the sacrificial commitment of these characters poses a great challenge to you and me, and to every other Christian. You may wish to ask yourself a couple of heart-searching questions in this regard: am I truly a committed believer? Am I committed sacrificially? What life-threatening risks have I faced boldly for Christ? And what self-depriving material have I made to demonstrate my love for Jesus Christ who died for me?
- By Jokpeme Joseph Omode
Tags
christianity
