In silence

Albert Bogle April 19, 2025 0 0

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John 19: 38-42 (NIV)

38 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. 39 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. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 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.42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

There is something deeply sad and yet moving when you read about these two men. The death of Jesus brought new courage to them. There they are the outsiders now openly identifying with Jesus, while his closest friends are no where to be found. Isn’t it strange often in life the most unexpected people turn up at a time of bereavement showing inexplicable kindness. 

The Holy Spirit was working in both these men. Together they lay the body of Jesus to rest and they also prepare the scene for the resurrection.

Prayer:

Lord,

Even in death you inspire 

The loyalty of the secret followers

I can see them in my mind’s eye

Two men engaging in intense conversation

Then they show papers to the soldiers

The next thing I see,

both men taking off their outer coats,

rolling up their sleeves.

And there in public view 

for all to see

Joseph of Arimathea 

Steps up

Picks up a ladder

Leans it against 

Your cross

And signals to the other

Lord,

I’m utterly surprised

Nicodemus

The law keeper

Climbs the ladder

A step at a time

And gently

Ever so gently 

This Pharisee 

Embraced your bruised body

Wipes tears from his eyes

Removes the nails

From your hands and feet 

And wipes them so kindly 

With a cloth

Your limp body 

Falls on his shoulder

A Roman centurion 

Comes to help 

In silence

They are held together 

Washing your body

Then 

They lay

Your body 

to rest

In the cool of the tomb

Such unexpected kindness