After the crucifixion, late in the afternoon Joseph of Arimathea, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’ body. Pilate granted him permission. Joseph a wealthy man, highly respected member of the Jewish Council, had not gone along with the plans and actions of the other Jewish Council members to crucify Jesus. A secret disciple of Jesus, he lived in high expectation of the kingdom of God.

With the help of his friend, Nicodemus, also a member of the Jews Council, they took the body from the cross, wrapped it in clean linens, anointed him with myrrh and aloes, which Nicodemus brought, placed it in a new tomb in a garden, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb that was prepared for Joseph’s own body, a man-made cave hewn from rock in the garden of his house nearby. ¹

Joseph and Nicodemus were men of courage, commitment, and compassion. Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish Council had courage to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body when the other members wanted to crucify him. He gave of himself, by giving his own tomb for Jesus burial.

Pray that your grandchildren will:

• have the courage to stand up for Jesus in their worldly environment.
• invite Jesus into their hearts and be committed in their relationship with Him.
• have compassion for others by being kind, caring and serving others.

¹ Luke 23:50-23

© 2011 Lillian Penner