John 19:31–42 — The Burial and the Bold Believers

Before we reflect on this moment, read the passage exactly as written:

John 19:31–42 (NKJV)
Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.
Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.
And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.
For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.”
And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
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.
And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
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 there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

They Wanted to Remove Him Quickly — But God Was Still Fulfilling Scripture

The religious leaders rushed to get the bodies down. They were concerned with Sabbath optics, not with the Savior they had rejected. Yet even in their urgency, God was still orchestrating prophecy:
No bone broken. Side pierced. Word fulfilled.

What looks like human authority is often divine choreography.

Joseph and Nicodemus Step Forward When Others Step Back

Two men appear who matter deeply to this moment:

Joseph of Arimathea — a secret disciple until now
Nicodemus — once afraid to come except by night, now comes in daylight

When the crowds disappeared, quiet courage finally surfaced.

This is how this moment speaks to our lives today:

• Some of the boldest acts of faith happen after the noise dies down

• True devotion is often proven in the dark, not on platforms

• God uses people who are late bloomers in courage — but not absent

They honored Jesus when it was risky, costly, and socially dangerous.

They Prepared His Body — Not Knowing They Were Preparing a Testimony

They thought they were burying Jesus.
In reality, they were participating in the setup for resurrection.

Obedience in the dark often places us in position to witness the dawn.

We do not always know what God is doing through our obedience —
but we know He never wastes it.

Where This Lives in Us Today

• When culture rejects Christ — will we still honor Him publicly?

• When obedience costs us something — will we still step forward?

• When God seems silent — will we still prepare in faith?

The burial looked like the end, but it was actually the hinge of history.
God does His greatest work in places that look finished.

PRAYER

Lord, give me the courage of Joseph and Nicodemus —
to honor You when others turn away,
to act when it costs me something,
to obey even when I don’t yet see the outcome.
Teach me to trust what You are doing in the silence
and to serve You bold and unashamed.
Amen.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

• Where has fear kept my faith silent or hidden?

• What “costly obedience” is God asking of me right now?

• How can I honor Christ publicly even when culture rejects Him?