URC Daily Devotion for 1-08-2025

St John 19: 38 – 42

After 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. Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. Now 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. And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Reflection

After the very public spectacle of the crucifixion we are given a snapshot of the personal and private dimension.  Away from the crowds a couple of folk have the rare privilege of their moment with Jesus.  The Jesus of their attention is, of course, the crucified and dead One.   John describes Joseph as disciple-in-secret; Nicodemus’ first encounter with Jesus had been under the safety of the cover of darkness.  As we reflect on these five short verses it is good to ponder:  to what extent is our own faith in Jesus confined to the secret corners of our living rather than in full and public glare?  Mark Twain is quoted as saying, “Never discuss politics or religion in polite company.”   Concealing our faith in Jesus might ensure others do not make assumptions about us we would want to resist (and many of us know that once we are known to be people of faith their behaviour towards us changes).   But we are called to be salt and light: publicly.

The other thing that strikes me in these verses is that Joseph and Nicodemus were committed to ensuring Jesus had dignity following his death.   They treated his body with reverence and respect – even though he had died a criminal’s death.   Their actions are repeated, on a daily basis, by those whose work is within the sphere of post end of life: funeral directors, crematorium and cemetery staff.  Many of us have cause to be grateful when care and kindness are embodied in those who ‘undertake’ the arrangements associated with the funerals of those we have loved and lost.

We can but speculate what would have happened to Jesus’ body had these two men not approached Pilate.  But thanks to their efforts Jesus was laid in a tomb within the beauty of a garden – a garden that would become the scene for resurrection.

Prayer

God of grace,
we confess that all too often, like Joseph and Nicodemus,
we keep our faith secret and private
to avoid the risk of ridicule and cost of credibility:
we ask for your forgiveness and for new courage to witness more publicly.
Inspired by their example we offer our prayer
for all whose work entails dealing with death and with the bereaved:
that repetition and familiarity may not eclipse sensitivity.
In the name of the Crucified One,
Amen.