Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. (Matt. 27:59–60)
Expanded Passage: Matthew 27:57-61
While in seminary, I rode my bike through a small local graveyard on my way to morning classes. Most of the people buried there were longstanding associates of the seminary and church community, so the tomb stones often had unique descriptions of the occupants. One that I remember read something like: “Stand Back from This Stone. When the Rapture Occurs, I’ll Be Coming Out!” For over two thousand years, Christians have thought of their final resting place as a temporary shelter, a waiting room for something better.
We may never know what motivated Joseph, this new disciple from Arimathea, to offer up his own grave to house the crucified Lord. Perhaps he believed Jesus was not going to be there for long, or that he himself would not need the tomb. But it seems Jesus was never shy of borrowing things—whether a manger for a crib, a colt for travel, or a tomb for a three-day grave.
Many people think the axiom “Neither a lender nor a borrower be” comes from the Bible. It was advice given by Polonius to his son Laertes in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Scripture actually encourages lending to people in need (without interest!), and Joseph, known as a rich fellow, must have learned this lesson from his Lord. He will forever be known for his act of devotion and generosity—lending his unused tomb for Easter Day.
Consider what you could lend that someone needs—without expecting it back.
Rich Eckley is professor emeritus of theology at Houghton University (NY). He is an ordained Wesleyan minister and enjoys—with his wife, Lynn—entertaining four active grandchildren.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
