A Lenten Devotion for Thursday, April 10
- ontrakk
- Apr 10
- 1 min read
Matthew 27:58
Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.
In the gospel of John, both Nicodemus and Joseph are involved— taking care of Jesus’ body after his crucifixion and placing him in the tomb. Why these two, I wonder? They are both religious leaders, and presumably will be criticized (or worse) later for their actions. Why do they step out and do this, and not a single disciple? It is shameful. Where are the disciples? It is likely just as dangerous for John and Nicodemus to be taking care of the body. Maybe they felt they were under the cover of religious ritual and law. For the disciples, this was clearly not their finest hour.
Holy Lord, May I have the courage to step out and do the right thing. I pray this with my whole heart. Amen
Becky, transforming
Matthew 27:58
This whole scene is so very sad, difficult to read and contemplate. It is hard to believe that the disciples, the ones so close to Jesus, were no where to be found. Thankfully Joseph and Nicodemus are there for Him, to tenderly take care of His earthly body. How could the others turn their backs? I have to wonder how that was part of God’s plan…
Dear God, I pray to you that you will always be with me, I pray I will never turn my back or be tempted to turn my back on You. Amen
Matthew 27:58.
This was the saddest reading for me. Just picture it. Two grown men gently handling Jesus' body. Putting his body on Linen and adding the burial spices. This coming Good Friday, a friend and I are singing a piece called What Man is This?. There are words that describes this scene. Some music is difficult to sing, but important for others to hear.
Prayer: Gracious God, I'm glad Jesus had these silent friends as all the others had fled. AMEN
Thursday, April 10th, 2025 (32nd day of Lent)
Matthew 27:58
He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus (but secretly for fear of the Jews, did not know this.) Joseph had no difficulty obtaining the body of Christ; but as soon as he asked, he had the favor granted. Pilate commanded the body to be given to Joseph, after he had understood by the centurion that Jesus was dead. Remember Pilate himself had a good opinion of Jesus, and of his innocence, as well as his wife, who was much in jesus’s favour: Joseph was a wealthy follower of…