Burial & Guard at the Tomb| Matthew 27:57-66

The Burial of Jesus

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who also was himself a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

The Guard at the Tomb

62 The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate 63 and said, “Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore command the tomb to be made secure until the third day; otherwise, his disciples may go and steal him away and tell the people, ‘He has been raised from the dead,’ and the last deception would be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard of soldiers; go, make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone.

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When reading this passage, I didn’t feel very connected to it. On the surface, this passage feels very blunt, not offering much deep emotion. But as I put myself into the reading, I felt what it was truly saying.

I began to focus on Joseph, who stepped up at a moment when people felt most afraid. Jesus, the person who led the disciples despite being questioned on many occasions, and even doubted, had just died. At this point, following him no longer looked hopeful or safe. Instead, it looked risky and uncertain. Still, Joseph chose to publicly volunteer himself by asking for Jesus’ body and giving him a proper burial. This emphasizes the importance of quiet courage.

It made me think about how easy it is to have faith when things are going well, when there’s something to gain. But Joseph showed faith when it seemed like everything was lost. He did not know what was coming next, and yet, he still chose to act with respect and loyalty. 

I was young when my godfather passed away. He was my best friend and somebody I looked up to and aspired to be like. When I lost him, I felt like I lost an important part of my life. I felt “sealed” like the tomb. I remember my mom was devastated with the loss of her best friend-someone she grew up with and experienced so much life with, and even though I was hurt and scared and felt defeated, I knew I had to help my mom through this. I knew I had to step up and make sure she had someone to support her.

Looking back, I realize that moment reflects the kind of quiet courage this passage shows. Just like Joseph stepped up when things felt uncertain and painful, I had to do the same in my own way. It wasn’t about feeling confident or strong or having all the answers– it was about choosing to be there in spite of the uncertainty.

This passage reminds me that even when situations feel final or “sealed,” there is still purpose in how we respond. Faith doesn’t always look bold or obvious. Sometimes, it looks like simply showing up for others, even when you’re hurting, too.

Gracious God, we thank you for giving us many ways to discover courage. Even when things feel heavy, you guide us and remind us that we can bring comfort and light to others in times of need. You give us love and help us share that love with those around us. We pray that you continue to give us strength, compassion, and the courage to support others. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

Nick Comito (He/Him)

Queens, NY

Pinecrest President, 4th Year Camper