The Burial of Jesus

Are you ready to help?

John 19:38-42 (NIV)

38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[e] 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

The special care and preparation of Jesus’ body for burial is amazing. Even more amazing, it was done and taken care of by two men who secretly loved and believed in Jesus. Two men strategically placed around Jesus at this very time to ensure that the Son of Man would be taken care of properly in accordance with prophecy.

These two men, Joseph of Aramatheia and Nicodemus must have felt inadequate, unqualified, less than sure and pure believers in Jesus, and a bit wretched that they dizzy nothing to tey and stop what had just happened. Yet, they were chosen for one the most important jobs in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. These two men, ordinary men who struggled with belief and faith in Christ. Men who questioned the motives and truth of Jesus, we’re chosen by God to be a part of the most amazing event ever recorded in history.

So, let’s shift our attention to you and your job in the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Have you ever felt inadequate? Unqualified? Like a wretch? Join the club. We all have. But here is the beauty of that feeling. It means that Jesus has plans for you. That He is ready to use you to spread Kingdom Love. Ultimate and infinite forgiveness for all sin, provided you repent and believe in Him. It’s that easy. Joseph and Nicodemus did it, and they were under far more pressure than we could imagine. You ready?  #JesusSaves

Amen
DK