Were You There Study Guide Notes

The Women and Joseph of Arimathea

Text: Matthew 27:55-28:10
When the going gets tough, the tough get going? If that is true then Jesus' disciples were anything but tough during Jesus' arrest and crucifixion. Except for two, the others completely deserted Jesus after his arrest. They scattered like mice in the cupboard when the door is opened. They all found their holes to hide in until the coast was clear. Well almost all.

The Gospel of Matthew 27:55 tells us that there were women who followed and ministered to Jesus throughout his public ministry from Galilee. These women were faithful through the good and difficult times. And when the going got tough that last week, these women remained strong. They were at the crucifixion, watching from a hillside and waiting. Waiting for his death so that they may follow his body to the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimethea who was another disciple who stood strong during this trying time. They watched, waited and followed because their caring for Jesus was not done. No, someone needed to prepare his body for its final resting place. There were spices to buy and final preparations to be made. They set out to perform this ministry at the earliest moment of that third day. What else would we expect of these faithful followers? And is it any wonder that these faithful disciples were the first to hear the good news of Jesus' resurrection?