Surely the religious officials may look for him. Why? Was he waiting for resurrection? No. But John had not left the city after the Friday. When Jesus was laid in the tomb – John (like Peter) knew where it was (for he runs to that location – John 20:v3-9). What did John do on the Saturday? All we know is that when Mary Magdalene came looking for him, she found him. When John left with Jesus mother to take care of her, (John 19:v25-27), he didn’t know that Friday’s tragedy would be Sunday’s triumph. We do not know anything about Holy Saturday – beyond the actions of the priests and the words of Pilate and the military who arrive. But with the arrival of the hearse, any hope disappeared. The linens John mentions as yet another reminder of what has occurred – as long as there were no grave clothes, as long as there was no tomb, as long as there was no coroner, there was hope. The amount of spices was such as only used typically for a king. Having had permission, they ascend the hill carrying the burial clothing. Joseph had not agreed to Jesus’ condemnation (Luke 23:v51), Nicodemus had spoken with Jesus in depth and sought later to defend his ministry (John 7:v50-52).īut they were courageous at his death.

Maybe Joseph and Nicodemus could be described as reluctant in faith during Jesus life. The tomb was full, and yet one day, there would be nothing but folded grave clothes remaining… John, as he writes these words in John 19:38-42, as he describes this tragedy, he will go on to say and show, in the remaining chapters of his gospel, that God can turn any tragedy into a triumph, if only we watch and wait. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was near by, they laid Jesus there.

41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about thirty-five kilograms. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. This reflection is from Max Lucado, ”He chose the nails”, (pp119-122)ģ8 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus.

Saturday morning reflection