Friday, April 7: Scripture – John 19:38-42
38 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.
39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds.
40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews.
41 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.
42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Prayer Focus: “After these things.” John has just described the arrest, sham trial, humiliation, crucifixion, and death of Jesus. What do you do after tragedy? What comes next? What happens, “after these things?” Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, takes care of what comes next. Grief has a process. Joseph arranges for preparation of the body and burial in a garden tomb. Pray that you might be part of the “after these things” today. Pray that you might continue your walk with Jesus, past the cross into the after.
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