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April 16 -- John 19:38-42

“At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” –John 19:41-42 (NIV)

Pilate granted Joseph of Arimathea’s request for Jesus’ body. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a prominent member of the Sanhedrin (see John 3), accompanied Joseph, who was also a member of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:43). So, at least two of the Jewish leaders believed in Jesus and disagreed with the council’s position. Nicodemus tried to argue for the just treatment of Jesus but was met with ridicule (John 7:50-51). Both men had kept their belief in Jesus a secret for fear of their colleagues, yet they took a huge risk in asking for Jesus’ body.


Joseph, a very wealthy man, provided the tomb—a new tomb that was likely purchased for his own use—and Nicodemus brought the burial spices. The two men prepared Jesus’ body for burial together, making themselves ceremonially unclean. So, in honoring Jesus with a proper burial, both men risked their reputations and gave up their ability to celebrate the Passover the next day. Though they didn’t realize it at the time, their act of love and honor for Jesus was part of the most important event in history—the event that every Passover celebration ultimately pointed to.


We don’t know what happened to Joseph and Nicodemus after this. There is some scant extrabiblical evidence that Nicodemus was kicked out of the Sanhedrin and banished from Jerusalem. There is no evidence at all of what happened to Joseph.


Isaiah 53:9 (NLT) says of the Messiah, “He was buried like a criminal; He was put in a rich man’s grave.” Thus, Joseph’s generosity and kindness fulfilled yet another Messianic prophecy.


As you continue to consider the events of Good Friday and anticipate the joy of Jesus’ Resurrection, think about the people who mourned for Jesus—their disillusionment, disappointment, confusion, fear, and sorrow. We read the story knowing it’s not yet over—the Good News is still to come. They lived the story believing it was over—that death and darkness had won.


Let your knowledge of the Good News inform your own story. Though you don’t yet know its ending, Jesus’ death and Resurrection mean that your life will not end in sorrow and uncertainty if you put your faith in Him. Thank Him for this and spend some time in worship, honoring Him as Joseph and Nicodemus did.

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My name is Melissa Anderson. I'm a spiritual director and ordained pastor who loves God, people, and words. You can read more about me by clicking the button below.

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