Under Gods Command
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb
John 19:38-42 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.
Four people were changed in the process of Jesus death.
1st The criminal dying on the cross beside Jesus, asked Jesus to include him in his kingdom (Luke 23:39-43).
2nd The Roman centurion proclaimed that surely Jesus was the Son of God (Mark 15:39).
3rd & 4th Joseph and Nicodemus, members of the Jewish council and secret followers of Jesus (7:50-52), came out of hiding. These men were changed more by Jesus death than by his life. They realized who Jesus was, and that realization brought out their belief, proclamation, and action. When confronted with Jesus and his death, we should be changed-to believe, proclaim, and act.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were secret followers of Jesus. They were afraid to make this allegiance know because of their positions in the Jewish community. Joseph was a leader and honored member of the Jewish council. Nicodemus, also a member of the council, had come to Jesus by night (3:1) and later tried to defend him before the other religious leaders (7:50-52). Yet they risked their reputations to provide for Jesus burial. Are you a secret believer? Do you hide your faith from your friends and fellow workers? This is an appropriate time to step out of hiding and let others know whom you follow.
Under Gods command 