Changing Lives While Dying

Sunday, September 26, 2021

38, After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So Joseph came and took the body.

39-42 Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen with the spices following the Jewish burial custom. There was a garden near the place he was crucified and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been placed. So, because it was Sabbath preparation for the Jews and the tomb was convenient, they set Jesus in it.

John 19:38-42 The Message

Verse 38: Now after these things, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but a secret one for fear of the Jews, requested of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate granted permission. So he came and took away His body.

Verses 38-39 studies: Four people were changed in the process of Jesus’ death.

1. The criminal dying on the cross beside Jesus, the one that asked to include him in his kingdom (Luke 23:39-43).
2. Roman centurion claimed Jesus indeed was the Son of God (Mark 15:39).
3. Joseph and Nicodemus, Jewish council members and secret followers of Jesus (7:50-52) came out of hiding.

These men were changed by Jesus’ death than while he was living. That brought out belief, proclamation and action. When confronted about Jesus’ death, we should be changed, believing, proclaiming, and acting on it.

Verse 39: Nicodemus, who had first come to Him by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred litras weight.

Verse 40: So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen wrappings with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.

Verse 41: Now, in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden was a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

Verse 42: Therefore, because of the Jewish day of preparation, since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Verses 38-42 studies: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Jesus. They were afraid to make this known because of their positions within the Jewish community. Joseph, an honorable leader and member of the Jewish council, and Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish council, came to Jesus by night (3:1) and later tried to defend him before other religious leaders (7:50-52). They risk their reputation to provide for Jesus’ burial. Are you a secret follower? Do you choose to hold out your faith from friends and family? This is an excellent time to step out of hiding if you do hide.

Verse 42 study: The tomb is believed to be a carved-out cave of stone on a hillside. It’s big enough for people to walk into it. So Joseph and Nicodemus walked into the hillside to carry Jesus’ body. A large stone rolls out in front of the entrance. But Joseph and Nicodemus had to hurry up and work to avoid working on the Sabbath day, which begins on Friday evening at sundown.

Father, Jesus’ death is meant to change lives. Let it change us in our actions and our ability to not hide behind our faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen!