God’s Renewing Word of Hope
Introduction
John 19:31-42: Joseph from Arimathea asks for and retrieves the body of Jesus. He and Nicodemus wrap Jesus’s body in linen cloths with spices and place it in a newly hewn tomb.
Scripture Reading
Jesus’ Side Is Pierced
31Then the Jewish authorities asked Pilate to allow them to break the legs of the men who had been crucified, and to take the bodies down from the crosses. They requested this because it was Friday, and they did not want the bodies to stay on the crosses on the Sabbath, since the coming Sabbath was especially holy. 32So the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man and then of the other man who had been crucified with Jesus. 33But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they did not break his legs. 34One of the soldiers, however, plunged his spear into Jesus’ side, and at once blood and water poured out. ( 35The one who saw this happen has spoken of it, so that you also may believe. What he said is true, and he knows that he speaks the truth.) 36 This was done to make the scripture come true: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And there is another scripture that says, “People will look at him whom they pierced.”
The Burial of Jesus
(Matthew 27.57-61; Mark 15.42-47; Luke 23.50-56)
38After this, Joseph, who was from the town of Arimathea, asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body. (Joseph was a follower of Jesus, but in secret, because he was afraid of the Jewish authorities.) Pilate told him he could have the body, so Joseph went and took it away. 39 Nicodemus, who at first had gone to see Jesus at night, went with Joseph, taking with him about one hundred pounds of spices, a mixture of myrrh and aloes. 40The two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial. 41There was a garden in the place where Jesus had been put to death, and in it there was a new tomb where no one had ever been buried. 42Since it was the day before the Sabbath and because the tomb was close by, they placed Jesus’ body there.
Today’s Key Verse: John 19:40
The two men took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices according to the Jewish custom of preparing a body for burial.
Reflect
Joseph from Arimathea came from a small village about twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem. He, along with Nicodemus, was a respected member of the Jewish Council and very likely risked his reputation by helping to give Jesus a proper burial. What might have given Joseph and Nicodemus the courage to do this? What gives you the courage to stand for your beliefs?
Pray
Gracious and loving Lord, in silence I reflect on your suffering and death for my sake. In my heart I maintain a vigil and await the joy that will come in the morning when you are raised from death. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 20:1-18: Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene.