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
Now you can listen to Today's Verse on iTunes, Spotify, Echo devices, and more!

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.

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

11 Related Resources by Heartlight

Stepping out of Darkness & Fear
Illustration of John 19:38-39
Inspirational 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 acc
That's the Power of the Cross!
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[After Jesus' death,] Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission..."
Love Overcomes Fear
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[After Jesus' death,] Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission..."
A Touch of Grace in Horrific Moments
Article by Phil Ware
If we are willing to get our hands dirty to show loving respect, God will use us to be his touch of grace in times of horror. Phil Ware shares a Holy Spirit given insight into the horrific deaths of Jonath, Saul, and Jesus, and how good people did kind things to mitigate the pain and evil of those deaths.
See All 11 Related Resources about John 19:38-39

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 3, 1999

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Blessings of Faithfulness' (Ga. 1:16-2:10)
"Dear Father, Today, Father, may the Lord Jesus meet us on our Damascus Road. May he disclose himself to us for who he is, the Lord of Glory. May he....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: 1 Corinthians 7:20
"Some persons have the foolish notion that the only way in which they can live for God is by becoming ministers, missionaries, or Bible women. Alas!..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Before Abraham' (Jn. 8:56-59)
"[Jesus said to the people,] "Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad." The people said, "You aren't..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Philippians 2:4
"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

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