Jesus’ Trial, Death and Resurrection (As Recorded by John)نموونە

Jesus' body buried

“So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So ... they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:40-42)

Jesus had died on the cross. Thereupon, Pilate gave permission to bury His body. So, it was not burned, as was customary for those sentenced to death.

Jesus was buried by two prominent Jews – Joseph and Nicodemus. They did not belong to the small circle of Jesus' disciples. We read that Joseph was secretly a supporter of Jesus. Nicodemus had already come to Him once at night to talk with Him (see John 3). When Jesus had died and His closest disciples had abandoned Him, these men openly professed that they regarded Him very highly. They gave Jesus' body loving care, and then laid it in a new tomb.

What a contrast these two men are to the many people who played a part in Jesus' arrest, condemnation, and crucifixion! Jewish leaders demanded His execution even though He was innocent. Servants of the high priest slapped Him in the face. Soldiers mocked Him. Pilate sacrificed Jesus to secure his own interests. Most of the disciples fled. But Joseph and Nicodemus proved their love and loyalty to Him.

Have you ever experienced the death of a loved one? What emotions did you experience at the time, and how did you express them?