Quiet no longer

Laura Digan April 16, 2022 0 1

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John 19: 38-42 (NRSVA)

38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

We started this week thinking about the times when we keep our love for Jesus quiet. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Jewish Council, had been secret disciples of Jesus. 

However, upon Jesus’ death they risk their reputations, their positions within the community, to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body in order to give him a proper burial. They knew who Jesus was, they could stay quiet no longer. They had to honour their Lord. And just like Mary when she anointed Jesus’ feet with the perfumed oil we can imagine the loving attention these men bestowed upon the broken body of Jesus. The oils and spices applied with gentle care, the linen strips diligently wrapped with loving precision. The tribute they would have said as they laid Jesus’ body reverently in the tomb.

Knowing Jesus had changed Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. They could keep quiet no longer. When others had fled and left it was time for Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus to step out of hiding and show their love of their Lord. 

PRAYER:

Jesus

You are our Lord and Saviour,

Thank you

We love you

Amen