John 19:38-42
“Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
The evening of Jesus’ crucifixion, two wealthy members of the Jewish leadership receive permission to take Jesus’ body down from the cross so that they can give Him a proper Jewish burial. They rub Jesus’ battered body with an abundance of ointments and spices and linen cloth and place Him in a brand new tomb.
Respond in Prayer
As you enter into the story one more time, imagine what Joseph and Nicodemus may have been thinking and feeling as they prepared Jesus’ body for the tomb. What length are you willing to go to love Jesus in return for all He did for you? Ask Him to soften your heart today to truly love Him and others around you well. Invite your friends and family to join us for Easter, too! Get a digital invite here.
For Families with Kids at Home
As you prepare for an Easter at home together, ask the Holy Spirit to help you and your family keep your attention and focus on him tomorrow. Ask God to help you have a day you'll never forget, and lean all the way in to your role as the primary spiritual influence in your children’s lives. This is an Easter your kids will never forget!