Witness to Christ: Nicodemus John 19:38–42

Grace, mercy and peace be with you, from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered, died and was buried, that we might live.

As we end our Tenebrae readings tonight, we’ll hear how a man named Joseph of Arimathea, one of the ruling class in Judea, an admirer and follower of Jesus,  asked Pilate for his lifeless body, so he could make sure that Jesus received a proper burial. 

John says in chapter 19:38: After these things [after Jesus died and the soldiers speared Him in the heart to make sure He was dead] Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 

John, in verse 39, John tells us that there was another man involved, someone John had mentioned earlier in his Gospel.

Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, [we have that story in chapter 3], came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight [a kingly amount].

So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. 

Matthew tells us it was Joseph’s personal tomb. So Joseph provided the tomb, and Nicodemus the ointments to anoint Jesus’s body, which, as it turned out, was a sign that he would rise in glory.

Tonight we continue our Lenten series, Witnesses to Christ, looking the words and actions of Nicodemus, who was a leading member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish Senate, and a secret follower of Jesus. 

In John chapter 3, we’re told that early in Jesus’ ministry, His words and deeds got the attention of Nicodemus, who wanted to hear more. 

So when Jesus and his disciples were in Jerusalem for the Passover, Nicodemus met with Jesus secretively in the dark of night, so that his colleagues wouldn’t know about it. 

Two things in particular that Jesus told him stand out. 

First, to enter the kingdom of God we must be born anew of the water and the Spirit -- Baptism. We need to repent and believe in Christ, which can only happen by the power of the Holy Spirit, coming to us in God’s Word and in Baptism.

Second, this was the first time Jesus spoke about his crucifixion. 

He said in verses 14 and 15, And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. 

On this holy night, we hear and remember the Gospel of our Lord’s passion, death, and burial. 

He was lifted up on the cross to suffer and die, and in that way, to win our salvation.

Ad He was taken down and buried in the tomb, that on the third day, He might rise and live and ascend, and return some day soon to raise and glorify us for eternity.

Jesus summarized all that he had told Nicodemus, with that wonderful verse that’s says it all, and says so well: 16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”.

Nicodemus came to see Jesus in the darkness, but he left having seen the light of the Gospel. 

What Jesus said to Nicodemus came true, for him, for me, for you, and for all who believe.

Jesus was crucified and died; his body buried and left to rest in the dark of the tomb, until He would rise in the light on Easter dawn.

Mark tells us that when Jesus died, darkness covered the land. The people God created, had crucified His dear Son, the One who had come to save them. 

It was the darkest moment in the history of humanity.

But it was the also the brightest, in that it would bring the light of God’s salvation to the world, as His Son died and won our forgiveness.

On this night, as we hear the heart-breaking, but saving story of Jesus, His  suffering and dying for us, let us with deep sorrow and sincere contrition, repent of our sin that made it necessary for our dear Lord to suffer and die for us. 

And let us, with all our hearts, be thankful for His redeeming love so great. 

In the darkness of this night, we see the light of our salvation brightly shining, Christ the light of the world, our Lord and His salvation for all who believe.

Until we return Easter morning, and behold Him risen and glorified, let us walk in His light and live in His peace, that surpasses our understanding, and guards our hearts and minds, in Jesus Christ, who was lifted up on the cross, that we might live. Amen.