The Buried King

If you have your bibles please open them up to the end of John 19.

I have titled the message this morning, “The Buried King”

I am keeping the theme of Jesus being a King because of what has transpired throughout the last several weeks.

Last week we saw the crucified king.. And that he died on the cross to fulfill the scriptures and save his people. And none of this happened by chance but it was all God’s sovereign plan. And in his sovereignty he planned things with such great detail that it was so clear that Jesus was the King of the Jews. The king that they had been rejecting was their rightful king. And Jesus was crucified fulfilling the scriptures. We looked at four specific things that took place in his time on the cross that was prophesied many years before this took place. And through his death he accomplished something the salvation of all those who are is. Remember he said it is finished… He completed all the work he was called to do, and he paid it in full. There is not one thing a believer must do to add to the finished work of Christ. He truly paid it all.

And so we transition today to the burial of Jesus. And when I began thinking about preaching this message. I wondered if I was going to include the burial and the resurrection together, but I think so often we don’t think to long and hard about the fact that Jesus died and was buried. We go so quickly to the resurrection because without it our faith would be as the scripture say worthless, but the burial of Jesus is an important part of God’s redemptive plan, because if he did not die he could not have rose again. And his death and burial have changed countless lives throughout the centuries. And what I want you to see as our main Idea from the text today is this…

Jesus burial was necessary to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.

Lets get into todays text…

John 19:38–42 (ESV)

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths 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. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Several points I want you to see this morning. The first is this…

Jesus death changed his disciples..

We are introduced to two men in the text. One we have encountered before another for the first time.

These men have been disciples of Christ but from afar. We know based on the text that something happened in the death of Jesus that radically changed these two mens lives. Because what they were doing came with a great risk.

Just to understand what is going on we need to understand what happened after someone was crucified.

In the Roman world it was dangerous to be associated with someone who was crucified. I read some scholars who said if you wanted to take the body of someone who had been crucified you might end up that way yourself. So Joseph asking for Jesus body would have been risky. He could have got in trouble with Rome, but also he could have got in trouble with the Jews.

But Pilate just gave him the body of Jesus. Traditionally what would happened if a Jew was executed. The Family had the rights to the body, but they could not be buried inside the city of Jerusalem, because if that happened the city would be defiled.

Arrangements could be made outside of the city so they could have a proper burial.

Those who were unclaimed would be taken to outside of the city and thrown into the garbage. Where trash from city was burned day and night. I read that this place was known as Gehenna and it was metaphor for hell. Because the flames would never go out. They would literally burn all the time.

But in the case of Jesus his body should not have been let go because he was charged with sedition remember being a rebel against Rome. Those bodies were to be left on the cross for days. To be eating by vultures, but in Gods perfect timing during the Sabbath before the passover the Jews wanted them off the cross when they were death. So the bodies did not defile the land.

And he should have not gotten this burial that he did.

Going back to Joseph though this man was a man that was wealthy higher class, and was probably a sanhedrin. He was a believer in Christ. Though he was not active in professing it.

Now back in John 12:42 we see that that this happened with these types of men.

John 12:42 ESV

42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue;

Joseph was most likely one of those men. But after Jesus death though he came in secrecy, and had a lot on the line by doing what he did. But he knew Jesus deserved a proper burial, deserved respect.

A second man we see is Nicodemus. And idk about you, but I love John’s little details here. He is the one who came to Jesus by night because he did not want to be seen. He was the one Jesus said you must be born again, and he like the Joseph being changed by Jesus death so much so that he wanted to give Jesus a proper burial.

These men were apart of fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus death.

Now something else I want you to see this morning is Jesus burial was prophesied, and fit for a king.

Jesus burial was prophesied, and fit for a king.

Like Jesus crucifixion which was prophesied, so was Jesus burial.

If you remember the closing last week I read you the story of the Holocaust survivor who the Lord saved by the reading of the Old Testament scriptures. And one of those texts was Isa 53. And I want you to hear part of Isa 53 for yourselves… And as I read it I want you to see how Jesus fits these words so perfectly.

Starting in verse 7 it says this..

Isaiah 53:7–9 ESV

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Now I told what was suppose to happen after Jesus death, but Jesus got the royal treatment instead.

Jesus was not thrown in the fire, not buried with other criminals outside the city, but buried with dignity.

Jesus tomb where he was laid belonged to Joseph and it had never been used.

The tomb like Jesus was buried in was in a garden, scripture says that even David tomb was in a garden as well. As I studied this week I found it fitting that Jesus was buried in a garden, where man originally fell from the garden. Jesus undo’s our wrongs an amazing truth indeed.

Now the tomb that Jesus would be laid in would be carved out of limestone hills in the walls of Jerusalem. John leaves this out but these tombs would have a rolling stone outside of it that would be very heavy these rolling stones would be 4 to 6 feet tall. The common man could not move them without alot help.

Once you entered into the tomb there would be a burial chamber in this chamber there would be a stone bench running along the room’s perimeter. This is where the body would be laid when you prepare it for burial.

In that chamber there would be burial niches. These niches would be a 6 foot tunnel about 2 ft high where the body would rest until it decomposed.

After the body decomposed there would be bone boxes and the bone boxes would be kept on the floor.

Now Jesus tomb like I said had never been used.

When preparing Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, and the text says it was about seventy five pounds in weight. This is a lot of fragrances.

There is an example of other burials in history that used similar amounts of fragrances and having several people help( King Herod had five hundred people assist with his burial ) with this much fragrances though we must believe that more than just joseph and nicodemus carried out this task of burying Jesus.

Now they used all these fragrances because they did not embalm the dead. and a heavy amount of fragrances would drown out the smell of the body decaying.. in addition to the fragrances they wrapped Jesus in Linen cloths.

And This all happened quickly because of the day it was on… Friday evening Jesus laid in that tomb dead.

But what happened to Jesus soul when He left?

There is much discussion on what happened to Jesus when his soul left this earth. The body laid there, wrapped in linens but what happened to his spirit.

There are arguments that he went to three possible places. But I want you to take note of one thing. 3rd point this morning is this…

Jesus spirit departed him after his death.

1st possible place is heaven. In Luke chapter 23 in verse 43 it says.... Luke 23:43

Luke 23:43 ESV

43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus on the cross is talking to a criminal and Jesus tells that criminal who believed in him that today you will be with me in paradise. Most people think that paradise is heaven… But Jesus doesn’t say that very thing. We might think that is the case, but we can’t be clear that this is the case, especially giving other scriptures that might say otherwise.

the 2nd is hell. There is a common belief among many that Jesus had to go to hell to finish the work that he started on the cross. To truly defeat Satan, to bind him forever, but I would argue that his final words that said, it is finished proved to be enough to pay the penalty for sin and death. Jesus did not have to go to hell to finish the job. To defeat Satan and his minions.

But I do believe that Jesus went to Sheol or Hades after his death. So when people died in old testament times they went to Sheol whether they were saved or lost. One side would be a place of judgement the other side would be a place of blessing.

The side of those who are saved is often known as Abraham’s bosom or Abraham’s side.

Luke 16:26 says…

Luke 16:26 ESV

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’

Meaning there is this divide between both places. The good side and the bad side. And when Jesus died he went to the blessed side or paradise. Ephesians provides insight of what this might look like.

Ephesians 4:8–10 ESV

8 Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” 9 (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? 10 He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.)

And what he did is he took those from the saved side the Old Testament saints who believed by faith in Jesus and brought them to heaven. leaving those on the other side to be judged at the final judgment.

And so in conclusion I BELIEVE Jesus went to hades not hell when he died.

Now you might ask where do we go?

and ill answer that in a moment…

I have one more point for us today and its this…

Jesus death is a reminder that we must die.

Everyone dies.. But to be a believer in Christ one must die to self…

Friends we must not think we can continue to live our lives and just label ourselves as Christian. I know just like you all do that there are times where we embarrass Christ, I had a struggle this week where I am not proud even though I am confident I am right about I didn’t do it the right way.

But to often as I said before we look to much like the world than we do Jesus. Want to know why Jesus is so distinct and so different because he followed what God the Father asked ask him to do by being obedient to what the point of death.

And he asks if we are going to follow him to do the very same thing…

Luke 9. Starting in verse 23 it says this..

Luke 9:23–27 ESV

23 And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 25 For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? 26 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God.”

We take up our cross, because death for the Christian is the beginning of resurrected life..

We die to self so we can live for Christ even if that means we may face the harshest of sufferings following Jesus. Death is but a pit stop to living for Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, without sin, but friends Jesus was beaten, he was mocked, he was spit at, he was cursed, he was crucified, and he was buried not just so a cool story could be told…

He did so in all of his life so he could glorify God and say it is finished…

So if it finished then why can’t you die to self…

Maybe its because you have never truly died… We live in the bible belt the hardest place to minister, where we have movies, and shows, and country music songs talking about heaven, and how all these people go there, but many don’t even know how you get there.. God can save anyone, but he doesn’t save everyone.

He saves those who die to themselves. Those who say Jesus I cannot do what you did on that cross, because I am not worthy to bear that cross that you bearded, and I God trust that when you said it is finished you paid that price only you could pay by your blood and your death I am saved. Jesus laid in the tomb so you did not have to… Can I say that again… Jesus laid in the tomb so you dont did not have to.

Think about that. And know today if I believe he laid in that tomb for me and call upon his name and repent of your sins you to can be saved…

Maybe you have forgot what it means to die. To truly die to self. This is one our our biggest problems that we have. If Jesus is our Lord our master then we must lay down our life for him.

Lets go back to my first few months as pastor and if you remember Galatians 2:20 which I am sure you do. It said…

Galatians 2:20 ESV

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Now you know I like to read quotes that I find powerful. I have one for you right now..

Paul explains to the Galatians the process of dying to self as one in which he has been “crucified with Christ,” and now Paul no longer lives, but Christ lives in him. Paul’s old life, with its propensity to sin and to follow the ways of the world, is dead, catch that is dead, and the new Paul is the dwelling place of Christ who lives in and through him. This does not mean that when we “die to self” we become inactive or insensible, nor do we feel ourselves to be dead. Rather, dying to self means that the things of the old life are put to death, most especially the sinful ways and lifestyles we once engaged in.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). Where we once pursued selfish pleasures, we now pursue, with equal passion, that which pleases God. Dying to self is never portrayed in Scripture as something optional in the Christian life. I am fired up so I want to read that again.. Dying to self is never portrayed in Scripture as something optional in the Christian life.

It is the reality of the new birth; no one can come to Christ unless he is willing to see his old life crucified with Christ and begin to live anew in obedience to Him. Jesus describes lukewarm followers who try to live partly in the old life and partly in the new as those whom He will spit out (Revelation 3:15–16). That lukewarm condition characterized the church of Laodicea as well as many churches today. Being “lukewarm” is a symptom of unwillingness to die to self and live for Christ. Death to self is not an option for Christians; it is a choice that leads to eternal life.

Take up your cross, march up that hill lay your life down and live for Christ…

I cant help but think as our time winds down about the two men mentioned in the text today. Joseph and Nicodemus.. Men who did something honorable in the death of Jesus. They wanted to honor Christ in private, but not so much in public because of what they feared may happen to them.. Yes they were bold in Jesus death, but not so much in his life.

Sounds familiar to a-lot of us doesn’t it. Wanting to honor the Lord in our private moments, or around people who are like us, but if it messes up the comforts of our world we dont want to take the risk..

Many of us are so much like Joseph and Nicodemus men and women who want to honor the Lord, but don’t want to take the risk publically. We live in a world of risk, the early church was built on risk takers, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Knowing it could cost them everything. The gospel if we truly believe it is the best news we can share in this world. The world is loud about the things they believe but Christians have coward down because of fear.

The problem we see as the church as a whole is we are afraid of risking what we have because we are afraid to lose what we have… We have gotten to comfortable with the good news of Jesus Christ. To comfortable with the ideas of the death, burial, and resurrection, and what that actually means for us.

Believer I want to talk you for a moment. Jesus paid the price for you, so that you would live for him. So that you would worship him, that you would give him your all in the private and public moments. Dont fail to see the riches of his grace..

He died because we needed him to, but as we will see next week in more detail he lives so we can live for him.

Peter after Jesus returns to heaven after the resurrection preaches a great sermon in Acts 2. I cant get over the words in this… IN Acts 2:23-24 he says..

Acts 2:23–24 ESV

23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

Yes Jesus was buried, but friends he is alive…

I have to share with you the rest of the sermon. Acts 2:25- 41

Acts 2:25–41 ESV

25 For David says concerning him, “ ‘I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken; 26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my flesh also will dwell in hope. 27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’ 36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Have you been cut to the heart to believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and if you have, have you taken the next step of obedience by being baptized as identify yourself with him in his crucifixion, dead, and resurrection.

Today you can respond to this message in a few ways. One by placing your faith in him as Lord, by repenting of your sin , and trusting in Christ alone for your salvation. Two you can respond in believers baptism, baptism does not save you but it is an act of obedience of what has happened in your own life. three you can die to self more. All of us need to die to self so we can live for Christ. Put away the garage of your life in live for Jesus.

Let us pray…