John 19:38-42 And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews… I. THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS (ver. 38): 1. By whom effected. Joseph, assisted by Nicodemus, John, and the women. (1) A native of Ramathaim in Ephraim, the birthplace of Samuel. (2) A rich man, which rendered his service a signal display of courage, a true token of inherent nobility, a striking companion-picture to the Magi at Christ's birth, and a beginning of fulfilment for Isaiah's oracle concerning His death (Isaiah 53:9). (3) A member of the Sanhedrim, though probably not present when Christ was pronounced guilty of death (cf. Luke 23:50, with Matthew 26:66; Mark 14:64). (4) A good man; one of the few who kept God's commandments, and waited for the consolation of Israel (Luke 1:6, 24). (5) A secret disciple — like others of the rulers (John 12:42); e.g., Nicodemus, whose faith waxed stronger as Christ's cause grew darker. 2. When attempted. After Christ's death, which happened about 3 p.m. Obtaining leave from Pilate, he would then concert with Nicodemus about purchasing the linen cloth, &c. It would then be approaching even. 3. How carried out. The Evangelist is silent; but from the performers, we may conclude, with reverence, tenderness, and tears. II. THE EMBALMMENT (ver. 39, 40). Nicodemus now steps into the foreground. 1. His person identified. The same mentioned in chap. John 3. 2. His courage emphasized — in contrast with that interview. 3. His love proclaimed. With no straitened hand he carries out his heart's design. 4. His reverence recorded. Along with the others he proceeds to embalm the corpse. First they lay the body on the white winding-sheet. Next the women, it may be supposed, take the smaller cloths from Nicodemus, and, filling them with aromatic powder, wrap them around its members. After this Joseph folds around it his great white sheet, and the work is complete. III. THE INTERMENT (vers. 41, 42). 1. The place of sepulture. (1) A garden grave. In a garden death achieved its first victory. It was fitting that in a garden that victory should be reversed. (2) A strange grave. In another grave He is laid, who died for another's guilt. (3) An honourable grave. He who died on a cross between malefactors is laid in a just man's tomb. (4) A new grave. It was congruous that He who was a new Man (sinless), born in a new way (of a virgin), who had died a new death (for sin not His own), and who was to rise unto a new life (of glory and immortality) should rest in a new tomb. (5) A near grave. Close to Jerusalem as ours is to the heavenly city. 2. The funeral procession. Contrast it with that of the great, even the wicked great. Lessons: 1. The overruling providence of God in the fulfilment of Scripture. 2. The guarantee that the sinner's debt has been paid. 3. The transformation of the grave. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. |
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