7 October | Teens
«After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being 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 the body of Jesus.» John 19: 38
After Jesus was crucified, something very special happened, showing how much He was loved by his friends. In John 19:38 to 42, we read about Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two men who held Jesus in high esteem. Despite their fear and sadness, they had the courage and compassion to care for Jesus after His death.
Joseph, who was a disciple of Jesus but was secretly afraid of the Jewish leaders, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body. Pilate agreed, and Joseph, together with Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night to learn from Him, carefully prepared Jesus' body for burial. They wrapped Him in clean sheets and placed Him in a new tomb, which Joseph had bought for himself. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about thirty-three kilos, to anoint Jesus' body, following the customs of the time.
This story shows us the deep love and respect that Jesus' friends had for Him. Even at a time of great danger and sadness, they did not abandon Him. They demonstrated their faith and devotion through their acts of care, ensuring that Jesus was honored even after His death.
Take Action
Think of a way to show care and love for your friends or family, just as Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus did for Jesus. It could be something simple, like writing a letter of gratitude, helping with a task without being asked, or making a small gift for someone. These gestures of care reflect the love that Jesus taught us to have for one another.