Today's Verse: John 19:38-39

Friday, April 3, 2015

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 Friday, April 3, 2015

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Sharp Disagreement' (Acts 15:36-41)
"After some time Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Determined Not to Believe' (Jn. 11:45-46)
"Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw [Lazarus brought back to life]. But some went to the Pharisees and told them..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'You Satisfy Every Living Thing!' (Ps. 145:13-16)
"The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does. The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 3:10-11
"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?"

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