“After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus (but secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate if he could removed the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, so he went and took the body away. Nicodemus, the man who had previously earlier had visited Jesus at night, accompanied Nicodemus carrying mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Then they took Jesus’ body, and wrapped it, with the aromatic spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. Now at the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, where no one had ever been laid. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they placed Jesus’ body there.” —John 19:38–42
Once a secret disciple for fear of the Jews, Joseph now boldly asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Some followers of Jesus may in lesser trials be quite fearful, yet in greater difficulties display tremendous courage. This we find in Joseph who honored Jesus’ body when he could seemingly do nothing else for Him. Circumstances often bring out character in unexpected ways. The other Gospel writers tell us that Joseph was a wealthy, good, and upright man who was waiting for the Kingdom of God. He was a prominent member of the Council but had not consented to their decision and actions regarding Jesus. Interestingly, Joseph of Arimathea is not mentioned in any other places in the New Testament, Only in the burial of our Lord do we read about him. Certainly, there are many Christians in this world about whom very little is known.
Out of love, Joseph took off his cloak of secrecy and came forth publicly in humble service for our Lord. He did not hesitate to confess his association with Jesus at a time when the Romans and Jews alike viewed Jesus as a criminal. Joseph’s actions may have rendered him a marked man among the Jew; he most certainly ruined his character with the high priests and ruling council. And yet, his actions stand in Scripture as a memorial to him. Surely it is the hope of the Church that in every age there are hidden servants unknown to the world yet known well unto God. Joseph is memorialized in all four Gospels as showing kindness to the Lord Jesus for no other reason than love.
Not too dissimilar to Joseph in his secrecy while Jesus was alive, we see Nicodemus now coming forward as a volunteer to aid in the burial of Jesus. They both demonstrated more reverence and love towards our Lord when He was dead than they had when He was alive. Nicodemus did not shrink to take part in this good work. Had these men not come forward, Jesus’ body may have been buried in a common grave for criminals. But that was not God’s plan. He had allowed as much to be done to His Son’s precious body as was going to be done. The Father therefore empowered and emboldened these once timid followers—at this perfect time—to demonstrate their compassion and mercy for Jesus. God always supplies the grace sufficient to meet a specific need at an appointed time!
Out of great love, we see in our verses for today, Joseph and Nicodemus together taking Jesus’ body down from the cross and carefully wrapping it in strips of clean linen on which myrrh and aloes have been laid. John is the only one of the Gospel writers to include the amount of Nicodemus’ sizeable offering of spices for the holy work of burying Jesus. Nicodemus’ actions are in contrast to his first timid visit with Jesus when he came to question Him under the cloak of darkness, fearful of his associates. Nicodemus’ actions show his rapid growth in grace, faith, knowledge, and courage in a short three-year span.
Become More
What we see here is Joseph and Nicodemus selflessly loving Jesus with seemingly no apparent gain for themselves and certainly some loss in reputation. It is important to remember that this kind of service can never be done in our own strength or we will quickly lose our courage. We will weary from the task; we will become bored or burdened or disgruntled or afraid. True love is a love born of God, not of man. It is a love that esteems, cherishes, favors, honors, respects, accepts, prizes, and relishes. It comes from God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. If our actions are not motivated by this kind of empowered love, we will soon become discouraged.
God’s love and power are gifts from the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to fill you with His strength and grace.
Further Reflections
“By this they showed the value they had for his person and doctrine, and that it was not lessened by the reproach of the cross. They showed not only the charitable respect of committing his body to the earth, but the honorable respect shown to great men. This they might do, and yet believe and look for his resurrection. Since God intended honor for this body, they would honor it.” —Matthew Henry
“In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see your good deeds and give honor your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16