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Jesus Rests in Joseph’s Tomb
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from intrusion, but now, with the heavy veil torn from top to bottom,
it was open to all eyes—a place no longer recognized by the Lord.
The uncovering of the Most Holy Place filled the priests with dread
of coming disaster.
Many Turn to Bible Study
Between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection, many sleepless
eyes were searching the prophecies, some to find evidence that Jesus
was not what He claimed to be, and others searching for proofs that
He was the true Messiah. Though searching with different goals
in view, all were convicted of the same truth—prophecy had been
fulfilled; the Crucified One was the world’s Redeemer. Many never
again took part in the Passover rites. Many even among the priests
searched the prophecies and after His resurrection acknowledged
Jesus as the Son of God.
Nicodemus remembered Jesus’ words spoken by night on the
Mount of Olives: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes
in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:14, 15
. The
words Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt
that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Savior
during His life. Christ’s prayer for His murderers and His answer to
the dying thief spoke to the heart of the educated councilor. Again
he heard that last cry, “It is finished!” spoken like the words of a
Conqueror. His faith was forever established. The event that de-
stroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus
of Jesus’ divinity.
Never had Christ attracted so much attention from the crowds
as He did now that He was in the tomb. People brought their sick
to the temple courts. Everywhere they were calling out, “We want
Christ the Healer!” The friendly hands of Jesus, that had never
refused to touch the loathsome leper with healing, were folded on
His chest. The lips that had answered the leper’s request with, “I
am willing; be cleansed” (
Matthew 8:3
), were now silent. Many
were determined to have the living Christ among them again. With
persistent earnestness they asked for Him. But the leaders drove