John 19:31-42

Desiring that the Passover Sabbath should not be desecrated the Jews want the bodies removed. We, of course, are aware of the terrible irony that a far worse desecration has happened in putting an innocent man to death, who was their Messiah. The breaking of the victim’s legs ensured death from asphyxiation, another horrible aspect of this dreadful death. However, Jesus has already died and John wants us to know the proof of his death, and that there was an eyewitness account to Jesus’ side being pierced. This too is an evidence of scripture being fulfilled. Since there will later be doubts about Jesus’ death, John knows it is important that we understand that Jesus did die.

It was Jewish custom to bury criminals in common graves but that will not happen to Jesus. His death brings two significant men out of the shadows: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. No longer secret but now very public disciples, together they ensure Jesus is given an honourable burial using a large amount of spices and placing the body in a new tomb, which Matthew tells us belongs to Joseph.

I wonder what these men were thinking and feeling as they tended to the body? We know how the story will unfold, but they didn’t. Their actions were extremely brave, they have made their faith in Jesus public. May we be as brave as they were.

Response: Choose a word, phrase, idea or action that strikes you as significant at this moment in your life and spend a few minutes reflecting on it.