Mark 15:40-47

Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joseph, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.

Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

“But Sunday’s Coming”

Excerpts from “But Sunday’s Coming” by Rachel Benjamin and Suzanne Davis (Skit Guys)

The full skit will be performed this evening, Saturday, April 8 by Nexus. See the IPC website for more information.

“But you said they couldn't find anything legal to get him on. There isn't anything. They can't just kill an innocent man. God would never let him die. You said God chose him. You said he was changing everything. So there has to be some kind of mistake.

They drove nails through his hands. They put a spear through his side. He was beaten and bloody, he wasn't even recognizable. They crucified him. I was there. He's dead. It's over.

After I met him…it all changed. I changed. I'm not that broken, tormented person anymore. I belong to him. Or — I did. But he's gone. Where does that leave me? Who am I now?

He can't really be gone. He can't. He was supposed to make it all … to fix …

He was the Messiah. He is the Messiah. God, how can this be part of your plan?

You have a job to do. It's the least you can do after everything he did for you. He deserves a real burial, one that honors who he was. A few hours and it’ll be time to go to the tomb. Almost Sunday, Mary, you have to sleep. You have to try to sleep.

Why didn't he rise from the dead on Saturday? Why the waiting game?

One day at a time. Let's just get through tonight. God's mercies are new every morning.”

Prayer: Dear God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus we can be certain that at the end of our lives we will be united with you in eternity. Still, periods of waiting and uncertainty are hard to cope with. Please help us to be patient and to trust in you. Thank you, that Sunday’s coming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.