Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
John 19:38–42
I can recall three times that gardens are mentioned prominently in the Bible: in the Garden of Eden where death first occurred; in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus began His Passion; and, finally, in this garden spot that Joseph of Arimathea had provided.
As I write this, it is winter and the gardens at our house are barren and cold. It does not appear that life exists there. But I know that when Spring comes, life will become abundantly apparent as each seed that lies hidden in the ground bursts into a glorious existence.
I think back to the time that Jesus was placed in a tomb in a garden. Despite all the times that Jesus had discussed His death and resurrection, there were not many gathered in that vicinity who believed that, in this garden, apparent death and the grave would be conquered. And yet, following this time of Jewish preparation, this is exactly what happened! And the belief in this occurrence and the resultant joy began to spread. Eventually, God’s people throughout the world would be able to see in this resurrection their own salvation.
Thanks be to God, who has provided us this triumphant victory!
Charlie Wolf
