Abiding in EasterSample

ABIDING IN EASTER - LENT DEVOTIONAL by BRYAN CRAIG

DAY 46

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

John 19:38-42 ESV

Two men, who were respected, wealthy Jews, but also secret followers of Jesus, took care of Jesus’ burial. Like today, when someone dies, those who loved them wanted to give them a proper send-off. These two men loved Jesus. The 75 pounds of burial spices that Nicodemus brought to wrap Jesus in is said to be worth $100,000 in today’s dollars. It is interesting how Jesus talked a lot about money and how the love of money can mislead us, but here is an example of two faithful followers who had wealth and used their money with generosity for Kingdom purposes. I have known people like this who have been blessed with material wealth, but they do not view it as theirs. They see themselves merely as stewards of God’s money. It is a beautiful thing to see.

And here is Nicodemus, the one who questioned Jesus about what it meant to be “born again.” Little does he realize, but he is about to see Jesus re-born as He rises from the dead into a resurrected body.

APPLICATION:

Think about your last experience with death. Did you go to the funeral home? Did you go visit the family at home? Did you send flowers or bring a meal? Do you remember the feelings of sadness mixed with love and joy of seeing people caring for each other and hugging one another? Think about your love for Jesus and even for His mother Mary and the early followers. Do you empathize with what they were feeling? Pray about it.