This week I couldn’t decide which character from the Easter story to highlight, so I chose two. These individuals are key, as they worked behind the scenes for important events.
Jesus’ crucifixion took place during the Passover celebration. The Last Supper Jesus had with His disciples took place in a large upper room. The Scripture says that Jesus told His disciples to follow a man with a pitcher of water, and tell him that Jesus and His disciples were to use the room in his house for the Passover meal. The events happened just as Jesus said. The interesting piece about this event is that the upper room was already furnished and prepared. The master of the house was prepared and willing for Jesus and His disciples to have the meal in his home. (Matthew 26:17-18; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13). That is all we know of the owner of the house. Prepared. Willing. Blessed.
The other individual is Joseph of Arimathea. He was a wealthy, prominent, and respected person and a follower of Jesus. He had also purchased a tomb for his own burial. (Matthew 28:57-60; Mark 15:42-46; Luke 23:50-54; John 19:38-42). After Jesus’ death, Joseph approached Pilate asking for the body of Jesus for burial. Pilate consented, and Joseph willingly provided his tomb for Jesus. Now, the traditional site of the empty tomb is a notable place in Jerusalem. Prepared. Willing. Blessed.
They were both prepared and willingly gave something of value for another. Though they had planned for one event, the Lord redirected them to another path (Proverb 16:9). Because of their preparation and willingness, the Lord blessed them.
Our Faith Connections Challenge: As we make our preparations, are we willing to be obedient if God redirects our steps? Because His ways are perfect, He may just have something better.
Connections2Excellence 