Advent Twenty One

 Never Live It Down

 It's a rare sight to see someone die in public.

It induces an evil, seductive fascination.

A state that can only be achieved with company. 

A 'what are they doing here?' innocence.

 

In prolonged agony Jesus called out in thirst.

Not a request, but wine was stuck in his face.

A strange action for a man who was drying up.

 

When the bodies of those men were lowered,

Jesus had been dead for some time.  

The other victims were a tangled mess,

Jesus’ body was strangely complete.  

Pierced with a blade, pied-blood flowed from his side.

 

Friends, Joseph and Nicodemus discussed what to do.

The Judge was keen to get this aberration tidied up.

"Yes please, do dispose of the body."

"I agree it should never have happened this way."

"We'll never live this one down."

 

"My family has recently purchased a tomb.

It's nearby, let's put his body there."

"I brought the embalming kit."

"Act quickly, the whole city is closing for the holiday."

 

    Jesus body is treated with respect  

People continue to love him

There is some discussion who Joseph of Arimathea might have been.  Does Arimathea exist?  Death is also definitive and final.  It is like BC and AD.  It defines time.  After the event, everything seems different.  So many movements end with the death of their founder.  Who is able to replace a charismatic leader?  We see this as an end of an era.  But in this story death is necessary.  It is also not final.  In the story the Creator tells humanity that if they eat the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil, that day they will surely die.  People notice that as the story continues this does not appear to happen.  We know that there is a death in the relationship between the Creator and humanity.  We know that Jesus death was this death that was warned.  The death sentence is taken on by the Creator.  It’s like the father who allows the son or daughter to drive.  Their child messes up and smashes the car.  The father pays because the children cannot.  The father offered them the use of the car, and understands that with that freedom comes the risk that something will happen.  Sure enough, it happens. 

PRAYER  I now have the potential to live with the same closeness and intimacy of Adam and Eve, walking with you in the garden.  May my bond be that strong with you, my Creator and savour.