Good Friday Devotional: John 19.38-42

Good Friday Devotional:

It is interesting that both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are noted for being followers of Jesus in secret. While there may still be debate about Nicodemus, this passage seems to make it a little clearer that at the least, he admired Jesus. However, it is more probable He became a believer.

Both these men were concerned for the care of Jesus. So much so, that Joseph provided his family tomb, which had not been used and Nicodemus brought a large amount of myrrh and aloes, which was very costly. Jesus was laid carefully in the tomb with a clean linen

It is interesting how someone is cared for after they have died. Their body is cleaned and prepared and set carefully in the tomb. Where previously, while He was alive, He was scourged, beaten, had a crown of thorns placed on His head, and was crucified. It is fascinating that the dead are treated more carefully and with respect than when they were alive.

Jesus was laid carefully in the tomb

Jesus was buried very near the spot He was crucified, because the Sabbath was approaching.

says, “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death (Josephus), although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.” I would encourage you to read all of , which Jews disregard today and never read in their synagogues.

and with a rich man in his death,

although he had done no violence,

and there was no deceit in his mouth.

Jesus’s death, burial, and resurrection were prophesied about so we would not be left unaware. As Paul notes in his letter to the church in Corinth, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15.3-4).

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.