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SEEKING THINGS ABOVE
“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. “(Col. 3:1)
Volume I Number 5
August 2020
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Table of Contents
The Burial of Jesus ——————— Walton Weaver
Waiting Too Long —————————— Unknown
Seek and You Will Find ————– Barney L. Keith
In Everything Give Thanks ———– Mike Johnson
Barzillai —————————– David Smitherman
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The Burial of Jesus
Walton Weaver
The Hebrew custom of providing a burial place for the dead is first introduced in Scripture with Abraham’s purchase of a cave in the land of Canaan for the burial of Sarah (Gen. 23:1ff.). Although Joseph was first embalmed and put in a “coffin” in Egypt (Gen. 50:26), because of his own request before his death his bones later were returned to Canaan for burial (Gen. 49:29; Exod. 13:19). According to history, many Jews of the dispersion of the Roman period also preferred to be buried in Canaan, their homeland. Some were buried in the ground (Gen. 35:8,19). It was generally viewed as a dishonor to leave a body unburied (Deut. 21:23; 2 Sam. 21:12-14; 2 Kings 9:10), and whenever possible, the preference would be to place one in a family burial place. Note, for example, the request of Joseph (Gen. 49:29), and that of Barzillai, the servant of Joab (2 Sam. 19:37). See also 2 Chronicles 21:20.
The Tomb Where Jesus Was Buried
Tombs in New Testament Times. In New Testament times, tombs had come to be a common place for burial. Even today in the city of Jerusalem one can visit the Tomb of Absalom (so-called), which dates from around the first century. This tomb is a building which served as a monument and it exhibits both Greek and Nabatean influence. Other tombs from the same period might be either a single connected cluster of underground tombs with niches for the various individuals and would serve the purpose of an entire family, or perhaps even an extended family or families. Some tombs, however, were simply an individual rock-cut tomb for one person. “The bodies generally were not enclosed in coffins; after decomposition the remaining bones were then removed to a bone chamber in the floor or at the side of the burial ledge and the space reused” (Kenneth E. Bailey, “Burial Customs,” The Oxford Companion to the Bible 95-96).
Some have thought that Jesus’ reference to “whited sepulchers,” or “whitewashed tombs” (NRSV), implies buildings like those mentioned in the above paragraph, but there does not appear to be any good reason why these terms could not include the other type of tombs (those hewn out of rock) as well. The stones used to close the tombs were probably whitewashed in the same way that the buildings were that were built for tombs.
A New & Expensive Tomb
The place where Jesus was buried was a new tomb which had been hewn out of rock by Joseph of Arimathea (Matt. 27:60), a town some 25 miles from Jerusalem. This was “his own new tomb,” meaning that he had just purchased the place and had the rock hewn out. It may very well be that these plans had been made in advance by Jesus. Why would Joseph have just recently purchased this burial place and have it all ready for use if it had not been planned in advance to serve as the burial place of Jesus?
Tombs hewn out of rock were expensive and were therefore purchased only by wealthy families. Joseph is described as “a rich man of Arimathea” and a disciple of Jesus (Matt. 27:57). He was, therefore, able to purchase such an expensive place, and being not only a disciple but also a member of the Sanhedrin (“a prominent member of the Council,” Mark 15:43, NIV), he was given a favorable hearing by Pilate when he approached him to make request for the body of Jesus. We are told, “then Pilate commanded (the centurion in charge of the crucifixion, Mark 15:44-45) the body to be delivered” (Matt. 27:58).
But more was probably involved in Pilate’s decision than the fact that Joseph was a prominent member of the Council. Pilate’s granting the body of Jesus to Joseph was actually against normal Roman practice. Erich H. Kiehl points out that “according to law, the body of someone executed on a charge of high treason could not be given to relatives or friends for burial; the idea was to prevent the burial site from becoming a shrine and focal point for any followers” (The Passion of Our Lord 149). Kiehl’s own view is that the greatest motivating factor on Pilate’s part in giving the body of Jesus over to Joseph was his own conviction of Jesus’ innocence, which he had acknowledged more than once. Only this, he thinks, will explain Pilate’s willingness to ignore Roman law on this matter as he did.
The Tomb Was Closed & Sealed
After the body of Jesus had been prepared for burial (see the next section), it was placed in the tomb that had been prepared to receive it, and a large stone was rolled to the door of the tomb (Matt. 27:60). The next day, the day of the Sabbath, the chief priests and Pharisees came to Pilate and asked that the tomb be “made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead…” (Matt. 27:62-63). Pilate granted their request: “You have a watch,” he said to them, “go your way, make it as sure as you can.” “So they went,” we are told, “and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch” (Matt. 27:66). It is uncertain whether Pilate gave them permission to use a temple guard, or whether he told them they could station Roman soldiers at the tomb.
This sealing of the tomb and the posting of a guard to make sure no one stole the body would prove to be strong evidence that the missing body of Jesus on the third day means he had been resurrected from the dead. Isn’t it amazing that what the disciples had not remembered — that Jesus had promised he would be raised from the dead on the third day — “the chief priests and Pharisees understood and remembered, and were determined that no apparent fulfillment of such predictions should be accomplished by the disciples” (Alfred Plummer, Matthew 408).
The Location of the Tomb
The exact location of the tomb where Jesus was placed cannot be identified with certainty. We know that it was in a garden because Scripture states that as a matter of fact (John 19:41). There is also a reference to a gardener in John 20:15. It was close to the place of crucifixion, and probably in the area of the traditional site of Aceldama (“the field of blood” Acts 1:19), near the junction of the Hinnom and Kidron valleys.
Preparation of Jesus’ Body for Burial
Joseph of Arimathea, along with Nicodemus, the one who at first had come to Jesus by night, and as a member of the Sanhedrin (John 3:1ff.), prepared the body of Jesus for burial. The body would have first been washed (see Acts 9:37). They then wrapped it in a linen cloth (“fine linen,” or “the linen,” Mark 15:46) and took it to the tomb where “the two men wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen” (John 19:40, NIV). They probably tore the linen they had first used to wrap the body into these “strips” (NIV) or “cloths” (KJV) and with these, they individually wrapped each limb of his body, and in this way “bound” it, “no doubt, between layers of myrrh and aloes, the head being wrapped in a napkin (see John 20:7). And so they laid him to rest in the niche of the rock-hewn new tomb” (Edersheim, Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah II:618).
Lazarus, when he was raised from the dead by Jesus, you will remember, “came forth, bound head and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth” (John 11:44). The large mixture of myrrhs and aloes that were used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial (and no doubt the same would have been done for Lazarus and others) had been brought by Nicodemus (John 19:39). These would serve to counteract the odor of death. Neither embalming (an Egyptian custom) nor cremation (called idolatry in certain Jewish writings) was permitted. The amount of myrrh and aloes brought would be about seventy-five pounds in our weight. Kiehl gives the following description of these two substances:
Myrrh comes from a species of thorny-branched shrubs or trees that grow in Arabia, Ethiopia, and Somalil and on rocky ground. The stems and branches exude drops of oily resin. When they are cut, the resin flows freely, eventually solidifying. Aloes is a perfumed oil that comes from the tall and somewhat broad leaves of a species known as Aloe vera. Probably cultivated in Jesus’ time, Aloe Vera is found today in Arab countries and in Palestine.”
Because it was only a short time before the beginning of the Sabbath day, which would begin at 6:00 p.m. that evening, the day of preparation was almost over when Joseph came to Pilate to make request for the body of Jesus (Mark 15:42). No doubt, the disciples were in a hurry to make sure everything had been taken care of before the day of the Sabbath began.
The Women from Galilee
Mark says that there were some women from Galilee, among whom were “Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Jose” (Mark 15:47), who followed Joseph and Nicodemus and observed the preparation of Jesus’ body for burial (Luke 23:55). Evidently, this means that they did not help with the burial, but they did watch and pay careful attention as the work was being done and saw exactly how the body was laid in the tomb. They had planned at a later time to visit the tomb, and as proof of their love for Jesus, they hoped to further apply “spices and ointments” (“ointment” is from the word also rendered “myrrh” used by Joseph and Nicodemus) to his body.
Evidently, the custom was that this was usually done over a period of several days. But they had to hurry to make careful preparation before the beginning of the Sabbath day. So they must have secured the needed materials, the spices, and the ointment, immediately upon returning to their place of lodging (Luke 23:56). The earliest opportunity they would have would be on the first day of the week. Luke says that they “rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.”
When the women returned to the tomb early on Sunday morning, they found the huge stone rolled away…and you know the rest of the story! The empty tomb, the grave clothes undisturbed, the angels, etc.
Conclusion
What does the burial of Jesus mean to us? What is its significance? It means that Jesus was dead when they placed him in the tomb, contrary to some theories that would explain away the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Its significance is seen in the fact that Paul names it as one of the three cardinal facts of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-3). We also see its significance in our own conversion and the new life that we now have as Christians. Paul tells us that not only were we baptized into Christ’s death, but that in our baptism, we were also buried with him in baptism (Rom. 6:3-4). As a matter of fact, the way he words it, we died to sin when we were buried with him in baptism!
— Via Truth Magazine ( January 2000) Vol. XLIV: 1 p. 16
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Waiting Too Long
Once a man standing by, Niagara saw an eagle sitting on a lamb frozen in a piece of ice. The eagle was feasting upon the carcass as it drifted towards the rapids. Now and then, the eagle proudly lifted his head to look around, as if to say, “I’m drifting toward danger, but I know what I am doing. I will fly away and escape before it is too late.”
With great interest, the man watched the piece of ice and its strange cargo drift nearer the awful roar of the falls. At last, the eagle stopped and spread his powerful wings and leaped for flight. But alas, while he had been feasting on the carcass, his feet had frozen to the fleece. He leaped and shrieked in vain. Together the frozen lamb and the eagle went over the falls into the crash and darkness of death.
This incident illustrates the danger of every soul feasting on sin. Many people intend after a little more indulgence, to turn away from sin and be saved. But, alas, when they would turn, they find themselves bound by sinful habits, poisoned by sin, paralyzed in will, and frozen in soul by the evil upon which they have been feasting.
There is no greater folly than feasting upon the world until one is wedded to it. We should seek the Lord while we are able to escape the clutches of death
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Resolve never to do anything which you would be afraid to do if it were the last hour of your life.
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Seek and Ye Shall Find
Barney L. Keith
“Many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1, 2). One should not be blinded to the existence of error but should seek TRUTH. Jesus promised, “The truth will make you free” (Jn. 8:32). Truth is the only antidote for error. This truth is accessible to all men alike. Yet, there are certain basic considerations that are essential for the sincere truth seeker. Let us notice some of them.
- THE INITIAL BATTLE IS WITH YOUR OWN WILL. If you really want the truth, you can find it (John 7:17). The desire of the Holy Spirit is that you “be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). But you must first make up your mind that you desire to know. Then you will be ready to begin the search. A “good and honest heart” is first.
- YOU MUST HAVE A WHOLESOME, RESPECTFUL ATTITUDE TOWARD THE TRUTH. To search for it will be a waste of your time if you do not plan to accept the truth — whatever it may be. One must LOVE and BELIEVE the truth to avoid God’s condemnation. (Be sure to read II Thessalonians. 2: 10-12).
- BE SURE THAT YOUR SOURCE OF INFORMATION IS RELIABLE. God’s revealed Word is the only infallible source of religious truth. The Bible writers were inspired of God. They could not err, therefore, in what they spoke by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Scriptures are God-breathed, perfect, and all-sufficient as a guide for man in his search for forgiveness and the hope of eternal life (I Tim. 3:16, 17).
- RECOGNIZE IT IS NOT YOUR PREROGATIVE TO CHANGE WHAT THE WORD OF GOD TEACHES. Be content with what you find in the BIBLE. It is possible for parents to be wrong. Remember, too, that even men who are called “preachers” and “rabbis” have NO AUTHORITY at all to bind upon you any tradition or commandment of men. They are just men—and nothing more. BUT, the Author of the Bible is GOD. The Holy Spirit simply revealed to humanity what was in the mind of God. The Bible alone makes known the will of God for you. Steer clear, then, of any disposition to prevent this divine revelation. It is perfect; you are not.
- DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO HINDER YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE TRUTH. A soul (yours) is too valuable. The gospel of Christ is God’s power to save. (Romans 1:16, 17). Your concern must be, “What does CHRIST teach me to do to have remission of sins?” Read carefully these passages: Mark16:15, 16, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:10, Acts 22:16, and Romans 6:3, 4. The simple requirements of Jesus are FAITH, REPENTANCE, CONFESSION, and IMMERSION for the remission of sins.
BELIEVE the truth; OBEY it to have your soul purified (I Pet. 1:22). Let no one dissuade you from obeying the Author of eternal salvation (Heb 5: 8, 9). All who seek salvation in this way WILL find it.
THE TRUTH WILL MAKE YOU FREE
Another article by Barney Keith
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Barzillai
David Smitherman
The name “Barzillai” is not familiar to most Bible students; it never comes up in “Bible Drill” classes. And what a shame. In an era when many worship at the shrine of youth, those who are aged and those who will become such someday unless death gets us first (i.e., everyone), need a role model to instruct us in proper attitudes and conduct as we get older. We have such in a brief encounter with Barzillai (please read 2 Sam.19:31-39 before continuing). In a chapter filled with quarreling Israelites and the likes of Shimei, this old man (term used respectfully) is a refreshing change and teaches us many lessons. Among them…
Old age is nothing to be ashamed of, and the frailties of old age should be freely admitted. The text plainly tells us: “Now Barzillai was very old, being eighty years old” and Barzillai himself said quite frankly, “Can I distinguish between good and bad? Or can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Or can I hear any more the voice of singing men and women?” (vs.35a). He was in the “evil days” (Ecc.12:1-ff) when bodily appetites and functions change––and not for the better. In a day when the elderly and those headed in that direction try––literally, sometimes––to cover up the “hoary head” and other signs of advanced years and avoid all discussions of death, we need to heed this good man’s example: he did neither but, instead, spoke freely of both.
He faced old age gracefully. There is no hint of bitterness in any of this good man’s statements about his advanced years nor any wistfulness for “the good old days” of youth. He knew he could not turn back the hands of time and that he had but a few more steps in life’s journey (vss.34,37). Instead of a tone of regret, there was eager anticipation (see Phil.1:21-23). The loss of those things which were once so dear should lead to a longing for that land in which “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death…” (Rev.21:4).
He didn’t want to burden others (vs.35b). While David considerately and rightfully offered to care for his aged benefactor, there was no “you owe it to me…look at all I’ve done for you” attitude on the part of the venerable Barzillai; he had a considerate concern for others, realizing he could do little to help and, perhaps, much to hinder.
He spent his last days helping others (sustaining David in Mahanaim and then escorting him as far as the Jordan as he returned home, 17:27-29; vss.31-32). The word “retirement” was not in Barzillai’s vocabulary. How sad that retirement is taken all too literally by older saints today and to see those with so much they could and should offer (Job32:7; Ps.71:18; 92:12-15; Tit.2:4) either get “on the road again” or sit down and turn the Lord’s work over to the younger and less mature. A careful consideration of Barzillai’s example should shame such into renewed activity.
He gave to others what he could have saved for his own. No doubt he could have rationalized that, instead of making generous provision for David, he needed to save his wealth for his children. But Barzillai evidently understood the joy that comes from giving to others while we are alive and can see and enjoy the use of what we have to share. How preferable is this rather than leaving material things to ungrateful, undeserving family members who do not appreciate and will misuse.
Let us keep alive the story of Barzillai the Gileadite — on our tongues and in our lives–and “yield fruit in old age” (Ps.92:14).
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“In Everything Give Thanks”
Mike Johnson
I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks. . . .” This teaching occurs during a series of short admonitions near the end of the book of I Thessalonians. Earlier, Paul told them they needed to “rejoice always,” and they were to “pray without ceasing.” We might say, “constant joy and constant prayer should lead to a constant giving of thanks to God.”
The Bible stresses thanksgiving in many places. Ephesians 5:20 says, “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In Colossians 4:2, Paul stressed, “Continue in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.” In another passage, Philippians 4:6, he said, “Be anxious for nothing but in everything in prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
How are we to thank God for whatever happens? The NIV says, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” How do we do this? The verse is not teaching us to give thanks specifically for every particular thing, which happens. Instead, the idea is we are to continue to be thankful no matter what the circumstances, and in every situation, we can find things for which to be grateful.
Consider the following situation. A man’s house burns. He does not say, “I am glad my house burned.” Instead, he says, “I continue to be thankful to God even though my house burned.” Furthermore, he can say, “Although my house burned, I am thankful I was not in it when it burned, and that it did not cause someone else’s house to catch on fire.” We remain thankful to God no matter what happens, and in every bad situation, we can see things to be grateful for (also note James 1:2-3, Rom. 5:3).
Matthew Henry, the well-known scholar, was once robbed by thieves of his money. In his diary he wrote, “Let me be thankful first, because I was never robbed before; second, because although they took my purse, they did not take my life; third, because, although they took my all, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.”
We need to make sure we are “thankful in everything.” The last part of verse 18 says, “For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” We must understand it is God’s Will that we obey these instructions. Are you “thankful in everything?”
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Editor: Mike Johnson
www.seekingthingsabove.org