Mark 15
Jesus is brought before Pilate, beaten, mocked, and crucified. He is then buried. The Saturday before Easter is a critical day - and the folks at desiringGod.com give me new insight into the faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. This same day is chronicled in Matthew 27, Luke 23, and John 19. It's important to reference all versions to capture critical details.
While all versions indicate Joseph provided the tomb where Jesus was buried and assisted in the burial, it is only in John where we learn that Nicodemus "brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds" as burial spices. This is the same Nicodemus - a Pharisee - who visited Jesus in the night to learn from Him.
This commentary from desiringGod.com illuminates for us the bold obedience of Joseph and Nicodemus as courageous, cheerless, and costly, and we are to see such obedience as "not wasted". I suspect both were focused on eternal rewards not so much on earthly gain.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has carried me through many periods of darkness and discouragement...I seek to be obedient to You but I need You desperately to strengthen my faith. Apart from You I cannot have faith and can do and have no good things. Thank You Jesus for the rich blessings You pour out for me. I am not worthy. I worry...far too much. Please forgive me Jesus. Help me overcome such sin and turn from it towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. v42-43
Jesus is brought before Pilate, beaten, mocked, and crucified. He is then buried. The Saturday before Easter is a critical day - and the folks at desiringGod.com give me new insight into the faith of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. This same day is chronicled in Matthew 27, Luke 23, and John 19. It's important to reference all versions to capture critical details.
While all versions indicate Joseph provided the tomb where Jesus was buried and assisted in the burial, it is only in John where we learn that Nicodemus "brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds" as burial spices. This is the same Nicodemus - a Pharisee - who visited Jesus in the night to learn from Him.
This commentary from desiringGod.com illuminates for us the bold obedience of Joseph and Nicodemus as courageous, cheerless, and costly, and we are to see such obedience as "not wasted". I suspect both were focused on eternal rewards not so much on earthly gain.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has carried me through many periods of darkness and discouragement...I seek to be obedient to You but I need You desperately to strengthen my faith. Apart from You I cannot have faith and can do and have no good things. Thank You Jesus for the rich blessings You pour out for me. I am not worthy. I worry...far too much. Please forgive me Jesus. Help me overcome such sin and turn from it towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
