John 19:38–42 (WEL) After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus but secretly through fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body away, and Pilate gave him permission. So, then he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 Nicodemus, the one who came to Jesus at night, brought approximately a hundred litra mixture of myrrh and aloes. [1 litra equals about 10.3 ounces/292 grams, and 100 litra equal about 64.3 pounds/29.2 kilograms]. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths together with spices, just as is the Jewish custom of burial. 41 Now by the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in that garden there was a new tomb where no one had ever been placed. 42 They laid Jesus there, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
V38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus but secretly through fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could take Jesus’ body away, and Pilate gave him permission. So, then he came and took the body of Jesus.
Principle: The fear of men often overpowers, overwhelms, our fear of God.
Joseph of Arimathea is a believer but a fearful believer. But here Joseph and Nicodemus stop that fear and begin to fear God. Our fear of man can be overcome with the assisting grace of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 12:9). Esther is our example (Esther 4:16).
Fear is a tool of God’s enemies to stop God’s people from living the Christian life. Christian fellowship is helpful, as in Malachi 3:16. God has assisting grace to help us; see 2 Corinthians 12:9, Let us pray for His help always (Psalm 70:1, etc.).
V39 Nicodemus, the one who came to Jesus at night, brought approximately a hundred litra mixture of myrrh and aloes.
[1 litra equals about 10.3 ounces/292 grams, and 100 litra equal about 64.3 pounds/29.2 kilograms].
Why such a large amount?
GrokAI:
“Jewish burial customs of the time (unlike Egyptian mummification) typically involved washing the body, wrapping it in linen strips, and incorporating aromatic spices or resins. Myrrh (a fragrant resin) and aloes (aromatic wood, likely aloeswood/agarwood rather than the succulent plant) were used to perfume the body, mask the odor of decay, and honor the deceased. They were powdered or mixed and placed with the wrappings. The amount Nicodemus supplied far exceeded ordinary needs and was costly.”
Biblia (https://www.biblia.work/bible-commentary/exegetical-and-hermeneutical-commentary-of-john-1939/)
Large quantities of spices appear in accounts of elite or royal burials:
• King Asa was buried in a bed filled with spices and various prepared ointments (2 Chronicles 16:14).
• Herod the Great’s funeral involved a massive procession with spices (Josephus).
• Similar lavish practices are noted for other notables, such as Rabbi Gamaliel.
Commentators therefore interpret the quantity as treating Jesus with royal honors—consistent with the title “King of the Jews,” the rich man’s tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea (fulfilling Isaiah 53:9), and the overall dignity of the burial despite the shame of crucifixion.
Biblehub (https://biblehub.com/q/Spices_role_in_Jesus_burial.htm)
V40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths together with spices, just as is the Jewish custom of burial.
This was after washing Jesus’s body. That in itself shows honor to a man who was barely recognizable from all the torture He had to endure.
The linen cloths are narrow strips of linen.
How long did it take from starting the burial customs to finishing? Not too long, for these two men needed to be finished by sunset, and the body would decompose quickly in typical Middle East weather.
Principles:
- Honoring Jesus like this is a form of worship.
- They finished what they started.
- Their motive was their love for the Lord Jesus.
V41 Now by the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in that garden there was a new tomb where no one had ever been placed.
To prepare a burial place like this would be very expensive. Joseph thought he would be the first in that tomb, but instead donated it to his Lord Jesus.
Principle: Be willing to give up what earthly things seem so important.
V42 They laid Jesus there, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
These two men needed to complete their ritual bath and sacrifice before sunset in order to partake of the Passover.
Their love for the Lord Jesus is obvious.
They came out supporting and honoring the Lord Jesus.
They donated their time and expensive supplies to the Lord Jesus.
The tomb was donated.
They took the risk of being unclean at sunset.
Principle: God’s will first, then ours.
We learn:
- About the burial procedure of these Jews.
- About overcoming the fear of men by their love for God.
- About honoring the Lord Jesus even if it involves risks.
Questions:
- How do you overcome the fear of men to do God’s will?
- How do you honor the Lord Jesus?