John 19:38-39 ” Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. 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.”

Both Joseph and Nicodemus were wealthy members of the Jewish council of the Sanhedrin. Both were profoundly affected by their encounters with Jesus…but sadly, both were scared to openly profess their faith in Him for fear of reprisals. Their timidity was added to by guilt & shame as they both witnessed the horrors of Jesus hanging on that Cross to die. So moved by it, Joseph boldly asked Pilate for the body & very publicly took it down off the cross…while Nicodemus brought burial spices to properly care for the body. Interestingly enough, none of the Eleven Disciples are mentioned in helping with this Rite. Rather, it was two secret Followers of Jesus, deeply & personally impacted by the Cross, now making public their private decisions… now fearlessly pledging their faith in Jesus Christ .

Author: kezha1

A Christian mother, grandmother, and retired nurse living in Illinois. Called into a ministry of encouraging others to find their ultimate plan and purpose in life through Christ. View all posts by kezha1