“Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” (John 19:40 KJV).
This action that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus did, reveals a very deep message of symbolic spiritual significance. Wrapping the Lord Jesus in linen - filled with spices according to Jewish custom, demonstrate not only a physical preparation for His burial. This echoed the image of the Child born wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. He came into this world swaddled in rags with cattle’s scent and leaves cloaked in perfumed linen fabric. This heralds the fulfillment of His eventual victory over death, bringing hope to all who believes. God loves us. He gave His Son. Thus, even in this moment of deep grief in death, there lies an expectation of joy in life everlasting (John 3:16).
Nicodemus' taking part in the burial of the Lord made him religiously unclean for the Passover celebration as per the practices of Jewish priests. His actions were politically suicidal. Openly identifying himself now as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ along with Joseph of Arimathea, put him in the hit list of his fellow parishes. He could be put in prison by the Jewish authorities because of this association. The cross and the sacrifice of Christ Jesus, however, drew his heart to follow Him. The fulfillment of prophecies about the Lord and His own Words called forth the courage of both of these men when they had everything to lose. In this moment of decision, Nicodemus stepped out of darkness into the Light of the world (John 8:12). In the process, these two influential and respected men could provide important testimonies that the Lord Jesus Christ actually died. They prepared his dead body for burial and placed Him in the tomb!
Yes, now by faith in Christ Jesus, as we declare Him sovereign in our lives, we have hope for resurrection. Our Lord and Redeemer was buried - sown perishable so He can rise imperishable, as it is written: “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.” (1 Corinthians 15:42-44 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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