Burial of The King

John 19:38-42

38 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. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 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. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Notes

Jesus died. To ensure His death, the soldiers pierced His side, and blood and water flowed out (John 19:34). This fulfilled Scripture, proving that not one of His bones would be broken (John 19:36; Psalm 34:20). The crowds had witnessed His final moments, but now the scene grew quiet. Most of His followers were absent, fearing for their own lives. Yet, in this moment of seeming defeat, two unexpected men, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, stepped forward. Once secret disciples, they now acted courageously, giving Jesus an honorable burial. Though it seemed like the end, God’s plan was still unfolding.

1. Joseph: The Tomb

   There were secret disciples because they were afraid. One of them was Joseph of Arimathea, who found the courage to ask for the body of the King. The sacrifice of Jesus emboldened this secret disciple to step forward and do his part.

   
   38 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 (John 19:38).
   

   Application: As believers, we must defend our beliefs. We confess that Jesus is God who took the form of man. He is 100% God and 100% man. Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, sovereign above all, and eternally existent. The King suffered and rose from the dead on the third day. His sacrifice was meant to redeem all who would believe.
   

2. Nicodemus: Extravagant Gifts

   Nicodemus assisted Joseph of Arimathea by bringing an extravagant amount of sweet-smelling spices. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, meaning he was both scholarly and political. He may not necessarily be too open in his adherence to Jesus, but he did defend Jesus in the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51).
   
   39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews (John 19:39).

   Application: We will proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, our King and Lord. Our service and giving will reflect our belief that He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. We are not ashamed of the gospel because it is God's power to save.

3. Kingly Burial

   They buried the King in a rich man’s tomb. The secret disciples, no longer secret, wrapped Him in linen with many spices. Jesus died in the hands of the Gentiles, but Jews buried him; He died for both.

   
   41 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. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there (John 19:41- 42).

   Application: We will proclaim that our King died and was buried, and then He defeated death by rising from the dead. The tomb where they laid Him will become empty. We will help people understand that the mighty King who defeated death was also known as the Lamb of God who takes away sin.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Are you willing to identify with Christ openly, even when costly?

2. How has your faith grown from hesitation to boldness, like Nicodemus?

3. What can we learn from the gifts of the two men?