Today's Verse: John 19:38-39

Saturday, April 3, 1999

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

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

The power of the Cross is demonstrated in the lives of these two men, neither of whom showed himself fully to be a disciple of Jesus in his ministry. Now in his death, they make sure he is given a proper burial making themselves unclean for the Passover and proving themselves loyal to the Lord at the worst time for them to do so. The Cross touched them when nothing else could, just like it has touched us!

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 it is 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.

Comments

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 3, 1999

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Conciliation' (1 Co. 6:1-11)
"Dear Father, eternal and just judge of all, Help me never to shame you or your saints before the world. How could I dare seek arbitration with a..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'What to Do with Enemies?' (Lk. 6:27)
"[Jesus said,] "But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you.""
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'God of Preservation' (Acts 7:11-16)
"[As Stephen continued his defense, he pointed to God's faithfulness through Joseph:] "But a famine came upon Egypt and Canaan. There was great misery,..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Conceit Blinds You to Your Own Faults'
"Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts. They have no fear of God at all. In their blind conceit, they cannot see how wicked they..."

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.

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.

More Today's Verse