It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where he was laid.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭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 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. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

This is an important moment in the story of Jesus. It comes right after the centurion, witnessing Jesus’ death, proclaimed, “Surely this was the Son of God.” Now Joseph, a Jewish leader, steps forward to ask for Jesus’ body—clearly indicating his desire to honor him. Once a secret follower, Joseph no longer hid his faith. Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice emboldened him to go public with his devotion.

Nicodemus, also a Jewish leader, had once come to Jesus in secret, asking how he could inherit eternal life (John 3). Now, we see his transformation. He brought 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes to care for Jesus’ body—lavish and costly spices fit for a king. He quite literally put his treasure where his faith was, honoring the Savior with tenderness and reverence.

The way Jesus died—with grace, forgiveness, and strength—began to break through the hardened hearts of some. The scales of self-righteous religion were falling from their eyes. They were beginning to see the heart of the Savior more clearly.
Where in my life do I still need a spiritual breakthrough? In what areas am I still blind to who Jesus fully is?

It’s powerful to consider that through Jesus’ death, transformation began. Sometimes, God allows painful or unjust things to happen in this broken, sinful world. But even in the midst of suffering, he calls us to trust him—to love boldly like Jesus did. Our response in suffering becomes a testimony that can open others’ eyes to the God of true power and love.

Lord, thank you for the powerful testimony of Jesus—in both his life and death. It is truly remarkable. Refine my heart so I can glorify you, even in times of great hardship. Whether by my life or by my death, may others come to know you and be saved for eternity!