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Jesus Rests in Joseph’s Tomb
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now, the heavy veil rent 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 calamity.
Many Turn to Bible Study
From the crucifixion to 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 objects in view,
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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 paschal rites. Many even of the priests searched the
prophecies and after His resurrection acknowledged Him as the Son
of God.
Nicodemus remembered Jesus’ words spoken by night in the
Mount of Olives: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,
even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth
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
Saviour during His life. The prayer of Christ for His murderers
and His answer to the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned
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 destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and
Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus.
Never had Christ attracted the attention of the multitude as now
that He was in the tomb. People brought their sick to the temple
courts. On every side was heard the cry, We want Christ the Healer!
The friendly hands of Jesus that never refused to touch with healing
the loathsome leper, were folded on His breast. The lips that had
answered his petition, “I will; be thou clean” (
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
they were driven from the temple courts, and soldiers were stationed
to keep back the multitude with their sick and dying.