Mark 15:33-47

“Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus” (v43).  While some religious leaders handed Jesus over to Pilate, Joseph risked his reputation to side with Jesus.  Meanwhile, a centurion, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and “many other women” (v39-41) remained faithful, even after Jesus’ shocking death.
“And the curtain of the Temple was torn in two” (v38).  Jesus came to open the way into God’s presence, not for those from a particular culture or class, but for those who accept him by faith. #NCManna