OFFERING - MARK 15:40-16:2
15:40 There were also women looking on afar off: among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome;
41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered unto him;) and many other women which came up with him unto Jerusalem.
42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.
16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. KJV
These verses share with us the Apostle Mark's recollection of the handling of Jesus body after the crucifixion of the cross. In verse 40 we see that Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother James (not Jesus mother) were observing the situation involving Jesus. We know the true followers of Jesus followed Him consistently which shows us their devotion to Christ. It was not that they thought that they would rescue Jesus but they did desire to be there for Jesus in whatever capacity they could possibly help Him. Sometimes that means testifying about His righteousness toward others and declaring Him to be the Son of God. Verse 41 confirms the statement that these two women were faithful followers that accompanied Jesus at various meeting. The verse points out that they did more than just follow Jesus they gave of their substance to help His ministry. This probably means they gave finances toward His ministry and they gave of their time and resources. Whatever they gave to Jesus either money, time and/or resources (food, assets, etc...) was an "offering" to God. This shows us that being truly devoted to God means having a compassion for Christ that surpasses a casual relationship. Mary's spent time with Jesus, followed Him on His travels and also gave gifts to help cover His expenses. We glean from their example to develop a good relationship (intimate fellowship) with the Lord first by following His Word then you will better appreciate the cause you are giving toward and the person you are giving to. In verse 42 the time frame is established as the day before the Sabbath. This shows us that urgency was placed on the actions by Joseph because the Jews where forbidden to work on the Sabbath. The term “the preparation” was meant to describe all the things that needed to be accomplished before the Sabbath. Not only did the Jewish people have to make ready their house but they also needed to prepare themselves. Typically, when the Sabbath was observed it was total dedication to the Lord in the manner that He specifically told them to worship Him. Since there were a lot of things that needed to be in place to be totally prepared for the Sabbath the disciples of Christ were limited by time because their actions could not wait until tomorrow. This is why Joseph's actions were truly an act of faith showing his devotion to God. We know that the Jewish custom teaches not to touch a dead body because one would be considered unclean. We also know that the Jewish leaders were generally against Jesus and all of His disciples. We also understand from the scriptures that cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree according to Galatians 3:13. These issues plus others would lead the average Jewish leader away from Jesus, but thank God Joseph was not an average Jewish leader. We know that word got out that Joseph, an honorable Jewish counselor, had Jesus removed from the cross, which could translate into his temple privileges being suspended. All these complications did not stop Joseph from requesting the body of Jesus in verse 43. Verse 44 seems to indicate that the request surprised Pilate because for one if Jesus were still alive there is no way Pilate would allow Him to be taken down from the cross. If Pilate allowed a living person to be taken down from the cross it is possible that the person could start recovering and eventually be restored to life defeating the purpose of the crucifixion. Secondly, this had to puzzle Pilate because the Jewish leaders were the main one's crying crucify Christ when Pilate desired to let Him go free.-Refer to Luke 23:13-25 Pilate knew Jesus was not a wicked man but what Pilate was unsure about is if Jesus truly was the Son of God.-Refer to John 19:6-12 Therefore Pilate sent a military captain (centurion) to verify that Jesus was dead in verse 44. The next verse 45 informs us that when Pilate knew that Jesus was dead he gave the body of Jesus to Joseph. Pilate being a Gentile did not have a good reason for keeping the body of one crucified, nor did Pilate observe the Jewish customs. Since Pilate was a political man he would usually grant a request of a person of influence as long as he believed it would not cost him any embarrassment. This shows us that God knows exactly what He is doing and the Lord knows exactly who to use to achieve His desired results. Joseph had the resources to provide for Jesus after He came down from the cross and the influence to ask for the body of Christ due to the public position he held. There is no doubt that because Joseph was an honorable man he probably had some acquaintance with Pilate before. In verse 46 we notice that Joseph brought fine linen which means he brought the best linen money could buy to wrap up Jesus body. Jesus was wrapped in the best linen money could buy and the Lord was placed in one of the best sepulchre money could buy. To insure that everything was done properly Joseph closed the sepulchre by rolling the stone upon the door. This speaks to us about completing whatever we start in excellence because we are Children of God. It is not enough to start strong because unless we finish with that same strength (intensity) we have not truly represented Christ. Rolling the stone upon the sepulchre symbolized the closing of the law (previous dispensation) to open the path to the resurrection of life (the New Covenant) when the stone would be rolled away.-Refer to Matthew 28:1-8 The actions by Joseph were observed by both Mary's, as faithful witnesses and followers, as recorded in verse 47 to accurately tell the story to the disciples of Christ. Remember, Joseph had a different group of friends that he normally fellowshipped with. Verse 1 in chapter 16 tells us that Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James bought spices to anoint Jesus body after the Sabbath had passed. This speaks to us about faithfulness and order. The Mary's were faithful as ministers to Christ by continually ministering to Him even after a supposed death. This shows us that the people who give offering are going to give offering consistently as long as they can believe in the minister of God based upon the testimony of their life. This also shows us that the Mary's still observed order because the statement is read, "And when the Sabbath was past" which means they waited for the proper time to give their offering. Remember the Holy Bible encourages us to do all things decently and in order so it makes sense for the Mary's to still observe the Sabbath even though we are not under the law because violation of the Sabbath could have offended some Jewish people which would of caused dissension and strife. An "offering" given unto the Lord should always be done decently and in order causing a peaceful praise unto God. Here again in verse 2 we get an accurate time measurement with the statement, "very early in the morning the first day of the week". This declares the faithful witnesses and true followers of Jesus are there to observe their Lord and Savoir as their number one priority for that day (very early in the morning). The first day of the week and early in the morning is the main reason why many churches hold their primary service on Sunday (the first day of the week) during the morning time (early in the morning). The statement, "they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun" is symbolic for the Rising of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. The natural rising of the sun still serves as a reminder to all Christians that our Precious Lord and Savoir arose from the sepulchre to bring new life to all that believe in His sacrifice. This account of the “offerings” by both Mary's shows us that “offering” are synonymous with faithful disciples for Christ who bear witness to His truth. Their consistence of “offerings” speaks to us about a regular pattern of giving to those who truly represent the Person of Jesus. Whereas Joseph's “offering” speak to us about the significance of giving a one time large offering that can impact all eternity. Whatever the case may be, both types of “offerings” are good if you give them from a pure heart of love. So dear Believer know that whatever "offering" you give will be recorded by God and rewarded by Jesus Christ Himself because He is alive and watching over whatever we do unto the Kingdom of God. Our part is to honor the message of Love by keeping our heart right in our giving for His glory (not our glory) and the Lord Jesus part is to honor the promise of His word that states:
Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. KJV
As long as we are sincere in our offerings to God done in Jesus Name;We can rest assured whatever we do will never be done in vain.Amen!
In His Love, Eric & Angela Foster