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

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by George A. Buttrick:
"We need deliberately to call to mind the joys of our journey. Perhaps we should try to write down the blessings of one day. We might begin; we could never end;...."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Malachi 3:2
"His first coming was without external pomp or show of power, and yet in truth there were few who could abide its testing might. Herod and all..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Glorious!' (Ps. 97:5-6)
"The mountains take one look at GOD And melt, melt like wax before earth's Lord. The heavens announce that he'll set everything right, And everyone..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:27
"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted....."

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