Jesus freely taught and answered questions day and night to all regardless of position or status without evidence of acceptance or belief. In this passage, we see two individuals move beyond fear and secrets to publicly honor Jesus with a tender, lavish, and fragrant burial. We witness these powerful men leave their fears and secrets behind and begin living confidently in what they know to be true. Join them in the garden and share in their tender caring of Christ’s body.
John 19:38-42 (NLT)
Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. 39 With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. 40 Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. 41 The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. 42 And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.
For your reflection and prayer:
As you listened, was there a word, a phrase, an image, or something else that stood out to you? Notice what it stirs in you. Have a conversation with Jesus about this.
What emotions arise within you as you dwell in this text? How can you tenderly care for yourself as you feel them?
Slowly savor any consoling words or images which God gives you in this time of prayer. Simply rest in God’s presence with them.
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