Scripture to Read: John 19:38–42
After Jesus died, His followers wanted to make sure His body was taken care of before the Sabbath began. God had John record this in John 19:38–41: “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body. 39 Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.” God does not have John mention that the tomb belonged to Joseph of Arimathea. But, God had Matthew mention this in Matthew 27:60. God had Luke give us a little more detail about Joseph in Luke 23:50–51, “Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their plan and action).” Joseph was a follower of Christ. God also had John mention Nicodemus, who became a follower of Christ. Both of these men were wealthy and could have had servants care for the body of Christ, but they did it. These men had been changed by their Messiah, and they humbly and graciously prepared Jesus’ body for burial.
Challenge & Application
• Why did Joseph and Nicodemus choose to care for the body of Jesus? What had happened to them for them to do this?
• How has your life been radically changed by your Lord, and what do you do differently because of choosing to follow Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!