John 19:38-42 (ESV)
“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. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 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. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
How should we read this text
In John 19:38-42, we see a fascinating moment after Jesus has died. Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but kept it quiet because he feared the Jewish leaders, steps forward at last. He goes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. Pilate says yes, so Joseph takes away the body. Then Nicodemus shows up. He’s that other “secret” disciple we first met back in John 3, the one who came to Jesus at night. He brings about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes, which is a huge amount of burial spices. They wrap Jesus in linens and spices, following Jewish burial customs.
This scene also shows us something else that’s easy to miss. John points out that the tomb was located in a garden near where Jesus was crucified. It was new, nobody had ever used it, and it happened to be close by so they could finish the burial before the Sabbath started. Joseph of Arimathea was well-off, and many connect this to Isaiah 53:9, where it’s prophesied that the Messiah would be with a rich man in his death. Even though Jesus died like a criminal, He was buried with honor.
We can see two men who’d been keeping a low profile—Joseph and Nicodemus—now deciding to identify themselves with Jesus right when most others had fled. There’s a cost to what they do. Joseph could lose his standing in the Jewish council. Nicodemus risks his reputation, too. But they show real devotion, and they’re not hiding in the shadows anymore. It’s a reminder that God was orchestrating every detail, right down to who buried Jesus and where.
How does the text read us
We might recognize ourselves in Joseph and Nicodemus. Sometimes we follow Jesus in a secretive way because we’re worried about what other people will think. We fear getting labeled or losing a job or a friendship, so we keep our faith quiet. This passage reminds us that eventually, if we trust in Jesus, we do need to step forward and make it known. Joseph and Nicodemus reached that point here, even though it was a dark time—Jesus had just been crucified, and the disciples were scattered.
Another thing we see is how God’s plan was still rolling along, even in the middle of sorrow. Jesus had died, but that wasn’t the end. The burial details matched ancient prophecies, which means God was still in control, using every event for His redemptive purpose. When things look bleak in our own lives, it’s good to remember that God’s plan isn’t off track just because our circumstances seem upside down.
We also learn about fearing God more than we fear people. Joseph and Nicodemus stopped letting the opinions of others control them. They had been anxious about their reputations, but then they decided that identifying with Jesus mattered more. If you’re a disciple, there will come a day when you have to stand with Christ in public, whether that’s at school, work, or around friends who aren’t sure what to think of you. That moment can be scary, but it’s also freeing, because you realize who’s really in charge.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, we often hesitate to show others that we belong to You. We see how Joseph and Nicodemus had their fears, yet they stepped out in faith at a critical moment. Help us do the same in our own lives. Give us courage when we face criticism or risk losing our good name. Help us remember You are working out Your plan, even in dark or confusing times. Let us trust You so deeply that we willingly share our devotion to You, no matter the cost. In Your mighty name we pray. Amen
Thank you for reading today’s Reformed Devotionals Daily. I hope this encourages you to stand with Jesus, just like Joseph and Nicodemus did. Feel free to share this newsletter with someone who needs a boost of courage. See you next time!
