John 19:38-42 NRSVue
38After 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. 39Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now 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. 42And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
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Some thoughts on this scripture
Reflection
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were like many of us, secret admirers of
Jesus, but afraid to raise their voice. They were members of the Sanhedrin
which had framed the charge against Jesus. Out of fear they had stayed silent
in that assembly, and now they were trying to make amends. A word in support
of the living Jesus would have meant more than a new tomb, a load of spices
and a shroud.
Reflection
Lord, may I not wait for a funeral to show my friends how I love and admire
them.