Today's Verse: John 19:38-39

Thursday, April 3, 1947

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.
— John 19:38-39
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The power of Jesus' Cross was demonstrated in the lives of two men, Joseph, the rich man from Arimathea, and Nicodemus, the great teacher of Israel. Neither showed himself fully to be a disciple of Jesus in his earthly ministry. The Cross touched them when nothing else could, just like it has touched us! After Jesus' death, these two personally ensure Jesus is given a proper burial, thus making themselves unclean for the Passover week and proving themselves loyal to the Lord at the worst time for them to do so.

My Prayer...

Righteous Father, I know the Cross was a brutal symbol of being cursed. Yet to me, it is as precious as it is brutal and as beautiful as it was hideous. Through the Cross, you saved me from my sin and showed how much you loved me. Thank you! Please use my life in some small way to glorify you and your indescribable gift at Calvary. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of John 19:38-39 — Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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