My Walk With Him: 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. 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. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

Friday, December 11, 2020

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. 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. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

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. 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. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. John 19:38-40

Day 320 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on the crucifixion and burial of Jesus. My commentary* pays particular attention to how both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (who earlier had gone to Jesus in the night to speak with Him - see John 3) were members of the "very council which had called for Jesus' execution" but nonetheless sought to care for and prepare Jesus' body and then bury Jesus. Joseph of Arimathea also gives his own tomb to bury Jesus. It is believed* that both men became believers and that "[i]t is fitting, therefore, that two men whose lives have been so touched by Jesus should now express their gratitude in this final tribute."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

I am struck this morning how two members of the council have done an about face with regard to their disbelief and antipathy towards Jesus. We don't know the extent to which these men truly regarded Jesus with malice but at the very least they were willing to go on record supporting Jesus, likely in the face of losing their status and position. Jesus does this - the heart and life transformation witnessed here is nothing short of a miracle. As I sit back and reflect on what we are facing in our own country with political sides expressing such malice and anger towards each other - we see more than ever how we all need Jesus. No government or person can solve what ills us...only Jesus can.

I am reminded of Paul's own transformation - see Acts 22.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has transformed my heart and my life and I am deeply grateful. You went to the cross for me. I am not deserving of such an act - my sin continues. Please forgive me for my worry and other sins. Help me overcome and turn from my sin 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.