STATION 13

JESUS' BODY IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS


Feasts began when darkness settled over the entire land.
From tents to inns, homes to palaces, all went as it was planned.
Festive spirits, entertainment, music’s flair, all filled the air.
Knocking at the gates to palace, to find Pilate went Joseph there.

A distinguished Joseph by moon’s light raced to find forgiveness.
This rich man from Arimathea Pilate meets with politeness.
Hidden behind a coat of wealth, a purse of coin, shoes that shined
As disciple of Jesus he would atone sins as others dined.

Softly he spoke a mercy’s plea as he told of Jesus’ death.
Unaware, amazed, Pilate then summoned Centurion in one breath.
Pilate waited for news, he looked at Joseph no longer bored.
Joseph asked on edge of beg for Jesus’ body, he implored.

Centurion back Pilate agreed, Joseph bowed, left palace.
He walked the path that Jesus had done without any malice.
Illuminated by moon, fearful, Joseph walked up the hill.
“Oh poor Savior hanging there hurt so bad, this night so still.”

At crest Nicodemus, a wealthy Pharisee, stood with gifts for tomb.
Joseph nodded to the man and both went to Jesus in their gloom.
Together they knelt at the bottom of the cross and prayed in His name.
Women wept beside the two, from Galilee they came.

In silent thoughts they rose and reached their hands to beams, to touch.
Nicodemus pushed, while women moaned, all loved Jesus so much.
Joseph and Nicodemus went to work to help Jesus down from the cross.
With might and strong will they began as a pair feeling Jesus’ loss.

Joseph pulled at the bottom of the cross, twisted, loosened, gave.
Determined Joseph held tight to cross, set to ground, so very brave.
Down on the dirt He looked at man, His dear sweet Jesus lying there.
He touched the crown, cried out in pain, he watched that distant stare.

To hands and feet both crept with guilt, swallowed, went to pull out pain.
They cried aloud with each nail they gripped, each wrenching with the strain.
With tender touch they lifted Jesus now off the cross with care.
Gentle softness in Joseph’s arms he carried Jesus from there.

Joseph attended to Jesus, wrapped him in linen tenderly.
Then to a place, a resting space he carried Jesus bodily.
The pain in his arms was great, the bruised man defeated by wood.
Joseph prayed to God as he found the tomb, doing best he could.

Joseph the distinguished man knew women followed along.
He closed the eyes of his Savior to try to change his wrong.
“I love You so my Savior dear and wish I had not so feared.
As disciple I go to spread Your word to me You have steered.”

Wrapped in linen, gone from cross, Jesus lay in the tomb at last.
Joseph wept as he sat in prayer, regretting most of his past.
Casting off shoes that shined, purse of coin, his wealth for greediness.
He vowed to spread God’s word to all, his fear turned to happiness.