The Body
When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. Matthew 27:59-60
As I read through this passage, something un expected stood out to me: when Joseph of Arimathea asked for and took the body of Jesus to be buried, Scripture makes it clear that it was only His body. The wording is specific. It says Joseph took the body, wrapped it, and laid it in the tomb. It does not say that he took Jesus and laid Him there.
Why? Because Jesus was no longer in His body. That body was simply what He needed to operate in the physical world. It was a temporary dwelling place, an “earth suit,” so to speak. It was what He used for His mission here. But when He died on the cross, He (the real Jesus) left that corruptible body behind.
There is a lot of discussion about where Jesus was during those three days before His resurrection, but one truth remains: our physical bodies are not who we truly are. The real “you” is the spirit within you, the one that moves your body, thinks, and feels. Your body is just the temporary vehicle that carries you through this life. And one day, just like Jesus, you will leave it behind.
The good news is that the story doesn’t end there! Jesus came back for His body, but when He did, it was different. It had been transformed into a glorious, incorruptible condition. No longer subject to decay or death, His resurrected body was made for eternity. In the same way, if you have received God’s gift of salvation, one day, you too will receive a glorified body that will never age, break down, or perish.
This truth gives us unimaginable hope. Our bodies may weaken, wrinkle, and wear out, but our spirits are eternal. One day, we will step into the fullness of God’s promise, walking in resurrected glorified bodies, forever with our Lord Jesus in a new and glorious home.
Understanding this should change how we see ourselves and others in this world today. You are not just what you see in the mirror. Your value is not determined by your appearance, nor should your confidence be tied to outward beauty. Instead, let the world see the light of God’s love shining through your actions, kindness, and faith.
Below is a list of way you can live daily in light of this truth?
- Prioritize Inner Beauty Over Outer Appearance
The world places so much emphasis on how we look, but God values who we are. Rather than focusing only on outward attractiveness, focus on having a heart full of love, generosity, and kindness. 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us that true beauty comes from within—a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight. - Recognize That the Body is Temporary
Our culture glorifies youth and physical perfection, but these things fade. Instead of striving to be the most attractive in the room, strive to be the most compassionate, the most encouraging, and the most like Jesus. Your character will have a far greater impact than your looks ever could. - Treat Your Body as a Temple
While our bodies are temporary, they are still God’s creation and should be treated with care. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.This means we should honor God by taking care of ourselves, physically, mentally, and spiritually. - Live With Eternity in Mind
This life is fleeting, but eternity is forever. Don’t get caught up in what is fading away. Instead, invest in what lasts forever, that is your relationship with God and how you impact the lives of people around you.
If you’ve ever struggled with self-image, know this: your worth is not in how you look, but in who you belong to. You are more than you’re appearance. You are a soul created in the image of God, deeply loved and destined for eternity with Him.
So today I want to encourage you to lift your eyes beyond what is temporary. Let the beauty of Christ Jesus love and salvation shine through you in how you love, serve, and encourage those around you. When the world sees you, let them see more than just a face or a figure, let them see the heart of Jesus within you.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 27:57-66
57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.
58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him.
59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,
60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.
61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.
62 On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate,
63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’
64 Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”
66 So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.
The Daily Dose 