📖 Passage

John 19:38–42 Read John 19:38–42 (NKJV)

🧠 Context & Background

Following Jesus’ death, the burial takes place swiftly due to the approaching Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin but a secret disciple of Jesus, steps forward courageously to request the body from Pilate. Nicodemus, previously seen coming to Jesus at night (John 3), joins him, bringing an extravagant amount of burial spices. Their actions fulfill both Jewish burial customs and multiple Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 53:9, which foretold the Messiah would be buried with the rich. This moment marks a quiet but profound confession of allegiance to Jesus by two formerly hesitant followers.

🌿 Key Themes

• Courageous Discipleship — Joseph and Nicodemus risk their reputations to honor Jesus in death.
• Fulfilled Prophecy — The burial aligns with Isaiah 53:9 and Psalm 34:20.
• Royal Honor — The lavish spices reflect burial treatment of kings.
• Hidden Faith Revealed — Formerly secret believers now step into the open.

📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary

John 19:38

“Joseph of Arimathea… asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.” - Risked Reputation — As a Sanhedrin member, Joseph’s request could cost him status and safety.
- Public Identification — His action is a decisive break from secrecy.

John 19:39

“Nicodemus also… bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.” - Lavish Devotion — This amount of spices is fitting for royalty, echoing Old Testament kings’ burials.
- Fulfillment — Links back to Song of Solomon 3:6 and burial imagery.

John 19:40–42

“They took the body of Jesus… bound it in linen cloths with the spices.” - Jewish Burial Custom — The wrapping mirrors traditional practices of the time.
- New Tomb — Jesus is buried in a place where no one had yet been laid, symbolizing His unique mission.
- Prophetic Fulfillment — Isaiah 53:9 — “with a rich man in his death.”

🔍 Trusted Insight

D.A. Carson notes that Joseph and Nicodemus demonstrate that genuine faith often manifests in costly acts of devotion, especially when it is most difficult.
Andreas Köstenberger observes that the meticulous description of the burial strengthens the historical credibility of the Gospel account.
R.C. Sproul adds that even in death, Christ’s body is treated with honor, underscoring the truth of His kingship.

Summary: The burial reveals that Jesus’ kingship was acknowledged even by those once hesitant, fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His resurrection.

🧩 Review Questions

1. How do Joseph and Nicodemus’ actions challenge our own fear of public identification with Christ?
2. Why is the fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9 significant here?
3. How does the lavish use of burial spices reflect on Jesus’ identity?

🔍 Definitions

• Myrrh and Aloes — Expensive spices used for burial preparation, symbolizing honor.
• Sanhedrin — The Jewish ruling council responsible for religious governance.
• Arimathea — Likely a town northwest of Jerusalem, Joseph’s place of origin.

🙋 Application Questions

1. What fears keep you from openly identifying with Christ?
2. How can you honor Jesus in your actions when it costs you something personally?
3. In what ways does prophecy fulfillment strengthen your faith?

🔤 Greek Keywords

• Entaphiazō — “to prepare for burial”; highlights deliberate care.
• Smyrna — “myrrh”; associated with both birth (gifts to Jesus) and death.
• Othonion — “linen cloths”; used for wrapping the dead.

📚 Cross References

• Isaiah 53:9 — Messiah buried with the rich.
• Psalm 34:20 — Not one of His bones broken.
• Luke 23:50–53 — Joseph’s role described in Synoptics.
• Mark 15:42–46 — Parallel burial account.
• Matthew 27:57–60 — Emphasizes Joseph’s wealth.

📦 Next Study

Next Study → John 20:1–18