John 19:39 is about Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, who courageously took Jesus’ body for burial, demonstrating his faith and fulfilling prophecy by placing the body in a new tomb, symbolizing the death and burial of the old self to rise anew in faith.
39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight.
Setting the Scene for John 19:39
The scene in John chapter 19 takes place at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on Golgotha, also known as Calvary. The main characters in this scene are Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, both members of the Jewish council who were secret followers of Jesus. They had come to witness the crucifixion of Jesus, along with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene.
As the sky darkened and the earth shook, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were moved with compassion and courage. They approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, to request the body of Jesus for burial. Pilate granted their request, and together with the help of Mary and Mary Magdalene, they took down the body of Jesus from the cross. The scene is filled with sorrow and reverence as they prepare Jesus’ body for burial, wrapping it in linen cloths and spices before laying it in a tomb.
The surroundings are somber and solemn, with the sound of wailing and weeping in the background. The hill of Golgotha is rugged and barren, with the crosses of the two criminals still standing as a stark reminder of the events that had transpired. The scene is a poignant moment of love and devotion, as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus show their loyalty to Jesus even in his death, fulfilling the prophecy that he would be buried in a rich man’s tomb.
What is John 19:39 about?
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two followers of Jesus, lovingly prepare his body for burial in this verse after the crucifixion of Jesus. This act of kindness and reverence reflects the deep respect and devotion these two individuals had for Jesus, despite the prevailing circumstances of fear and persecution.
Imagine the scene: two individuals, risking their own safety and reputations, take it upon themselves to honor the life of Jesus by tenderly anointing his body with spices and wrapping it in linen cloths. This gesture not only demonstrates their love for Jesus but also signifies the solemnity and finality of his sacrifice. Their actions teach us about the importance of showing respect and care for those who have passed, regardless of the circumstances or societal expectations. Let us reflect on this verse and ponder the profound significance of these simple yet profound acts of kindness. How can we emulate the selflessness and compassion of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus in our own lives? How can we show reverence and love for others, especially in times of difficulty and hardship? We should draw inspiration from this verse to cultivate a spirit of service and reverence towards all individuals, embodying the teachings of love and compassion exemplified by Jesus Himself.
Understanding what John 19:39 really means
In the poignant narrative of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, John 19:39 introduces us to Nicodemus, a figure who had previously approached Jesus under the cover of night. This clandestine meeting starkly contrasts with his later actions, as he steps forward to honor Jesus in death by bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes for His burial. The act of anointing Jesus’ body with these precious spices symbolizes a profound reverence and respect for the Savior, transcending even the finality of death.
Nicodemus’ journey from secrecy to boldness serves as a powerful example for believers today. Just as he moved from a hidden follower to a public advocate for Jesus, we are reminded of the importance of honoring and respecting Christ in our lives openly. This shift underscores the transformative impact encountering Jesus can have on an individual, prompting them to act with courage and devotion, even in the face of adversity or societal pressure.
The parallel with other passages, such as Nicodemus’ initial encounter with Jesus in John 3:1-21 and Joseph of Arimathea’s involvement in Jesus’ burial in Mark 15:46, emphasizes the collaborative effort of those who believed in Christ. It highlights the unity and solidarity among believers in honoring and serving the Lord, even in challenging circumstances. Additionally, the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 about Jesus being buried with the rich underscores the divine plan and fulfillment of Scripture in Christ’s death and burial.
Consider a contemporary scenario where someone boldly stands up for their faith in a hostile environment, mirroring Nicodemus’ courageous actions. This modern-day display of commitment can inspire others and showcase the depth of one’s faith, echoing Nicodemus’ transformation from a covert disciple to a public supporter of Jesus. The phrase “Nicodemus, who had earlier visited Jesus at night” encapsulates the contrast in Nicodemus’ approach, while the mention of the substantial amount of spices he brought underscores his profound respect and generosity. Furthermore, his active participation in Jesus’ burial signifies a risky yet courageous public declaration of his association with the Savior.
As we ponder Nicodemus’ journey and commitment, we are encouraged to emulate his courage and devotion in our own faith walk. Let us draw inspiration from his transformation, stepping out boldly to honor and serve Christ in our lives, regardless of the challenges we may face.
How can we honor Christ in our daily lives?
We can honor Christ in our daily lives by showing love and respect to others, just as Joseph of Arimathea did when he took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen cloths, and laid it in a tomb. This act of compassion and care reflects Christ’s love for us, inspiring us to treat others with kindness and dignity. We can bring honor to His name through our actions and interactions with those around us by following Christ’s example of love and selflessness.
Additionally, we can honor Christ by being bold and unashamed in our faith, like Nicodemus who came to Jesus by night. Despite potential risks or societal pressures, we can choose to openly acknowledge our belief in Christ and share His message of salvation with others. We can demonstrate our commitment to honoring Christ in all aspects of our lives by living out our faith authentically and fearlessly.
Lastly, honoring Christ in our daily lives involves being willing to step out of our comfort zones and sacrificially serve others. We are called to serve those in need, share the Gospel, and be a light in this world, just as these individuals took on the responsibility of caring for Jesus’ body. We can bring glory to His name and build His Kingdom here on earth by actively seeking opportunities to show Christ’s love through acts of service and compassion.
Application
Think about the way you juggle tasks for your family or put in extra hours at work. Can you channel that same energy into helping someone in need? Take a moment to identify a way you can offer your resources or time, just like sharing a tool or lending a hand. How can you make a real difference in your community with what you have right now?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.