Lessons from Glastonbury

The Somerset town of Glastonbury has been in the news in recent weeks in connection with the Glastonbury Festival.  The old streets have been thronged with Festival-goers making their way to and from the Festival site at nearby Pilton.

The Festival was founded in 1970, but even if it had never been established, the town would still be full of interest. The ruins of the old monastery, which dates from the 8^th century, are a visitor attraction, and there are many ancient stories and traditions associated with the legendary King Arthur.

One long-held belief is that the Glastonbury monastery and Abbey were founded by Joseph of Arimathea, a Jewish leader who was a secret disciple of Jesus Christ, mentioned in the Bible (John’s Gospel, chapter 19, verse 38.)

The Bible’s mention of Joseph is in connection with the permission he sought from Pontius Pilate to take responsibility for the burial of the body of Jesus following the crucifixion. This was granted and Joseph, along with his friend Nicodemus, another secret disciple, arranged for Jesus to be buried in a newly-prepared tomb.  Jesus did not occupy this tomb for very long, as two days after his death, he rose gloriously from the dead. 

There is no evidence that Joseph was the founder of Glastonbury Abbey, or even came to England. Much more important is the true account which the Bible gives us of the resurrection of Jesus, and what it means for sinners in need of salvation through Jesus Christ – a need we all share.   

The message that Jesus was raised from the dead and that we can have eternal life as a result has been correctly described as the greatest event in man’s history.  The true message of the Bible, and the important requirement for us all, is that we must repent of our sinfulness, and ask Jesus to save us.