A Secret Sadness
Scripture – 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 Jews. 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.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here are two men who secretly followed Jesus. They were both respected leaders in the Jewish community. Joseph had enough standing to approach Pilate. The other disciples would not have been able to do that. Along with Nicodemus, he took charge of the burial of Jesus. In my mind I picture them handling Jesus’ body with great care and dignity. There’s a tenderness in their actions I can’t quite describe – a sadness in their hearts. Did they regret their silence while Jesus was alive? Did they think it was too late to do anything about it? How would they be different after this? I don’t have any of those answers. I just see two men who leaned into their fear after this tragic end to Jesus’ life and did the right thing. Even if it was too late, this was one last gift they could give Him.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will carry this scene with me today. As I remember these men, I will look at the people around me differently. I will respect them and treat them as I would like to be treated.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Today I offer myself anew to you, Lord. Give me an inner strength to follow you and live for you instead of myself. Thank you for the gift you have given.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here are two men who secretly followed Jesus. They were both respected leaders in the Jewish community. Joseph had enough standing to approach Pilate. The other disciples would not have been able to do that. Along with Nicodemus, he took charge of the burial of Jesus. In my mind I picture them handling Jesus’ body with great care and dignity. There’s a tenderness in their actions I can’t quite describe – a sadness in their hearts. Did they regret their silence while Jesus was alive? Did they think it was too late to do anything about it? How would they be different after this? I don’t have any of those answers. I just see two men who leaned into their fear after this tragic end to Jesus’ life and did the right thing. Even if it was too late, this was one last gift they could give Him.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will carry this scene with me today. As I remember these men, I will look at the people around me differently. I will respect them and treat them as I would like to be treated.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Today I offer myself anew to you, Lord. Give me an inner strength to follow you and live for you instead of myself. Thank you for the gift you have given.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home