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Scripture Reading - John 19:38-42

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.

Questions:

1. Do you remember how Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume from Monday’s reading in John 12:3? Why do you think John wanted us to know that Nicodemus and Joseph cared for Jesus’ body?
2. Mary gave one pound of perfume for Jesus’ feet. Nicodemus gave 75 pounds for Jesus’ burial. What does the extravagance of the gift tell us?
3. Try to imagine what the followers of Jesus were feeling during this time after Jesus was crucified and before he was raised.
4. The sacrifices that these men made to ensure that Jesus’ body was respected as it should be are tremendous. Read Romans 12:1-2. What is the sacrifice that Paul is calling us to in this passage?

Something to pray...

Lord, even in your death these men honored you. They acknowledged how worthy of reverence and worship you are. But how much greater a wonder was your death! You were perfect in righteousness and yet you died a sinner’s death, but your body was laid to rest in the splendor befitting a king. May our lives be fragrant with sacrifices that honor the great things you have done.