What Jesus Did! 'Laid to Rest' — John 19:41-42

Wednesday, December 9, 2026

The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, [Joseph and Nicodemus] laid Jesus there.
— John 19:41-42 NLT

Key Thought

There are few things harder than leaving the bodies of loved ones at their graves. Walking away leaves such a sense of finality and loss. Can you imagine the heartbreak of Joseph and Nicodemus as they left Jesus' body at this place of the dead? How many shattered dreams and hopes did they place in that tomb with the one they hoped was Israel's Savior? Gather it into your heart: Jesus died and was placed in a tomb! Jesus, who was God come in human flesh, allowed his body to be claimed by the mortality that will claim each of us. What unbelievable love for God to share our mortal plight in such a personal way in Jesus!

Today's Prayer

Thank you, dear God, that you would have Jesus actually die for my sins. The very thought of this boggles my mind and fills my heart with wonder and appreciation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Welcome to Son Rise
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower and Friend, Let there be light. And light flashed into being. (Genesis 1:3)Yes, I was there the very first time light drove away the..."
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.
Buried
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus died. He was buried. He was raised from the dead. Each one of those facts reminds us that Jesus was not some antiseptic hero from a distance. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus died and was buried and that his burial has special significance for us.
Buried?
Article by James Nored & Phil Ware
Jesus died. He was buried. He was raised from the dead. Each one of those facts reminds us that Jesus was not some antiseptic hero from a distance. James Nored and Phil Ware remind us that Jesus died and was buried and that his burial has special significance for us.
See All 5 Related Resources about John 19:41-42

Illustration

Illustration of John 19:41-42 NLT — And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, [Joseph and Nicodemus] laid Jesus there.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, December 9, 2026

Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Our Refuge Who Drives Our Enemies Away'
"There is no one like the God of Israel. He rides across the heavens to help you, across the skies in majestic splendor. The eternal God is your..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Waiting for the Lord's Word'
"[When Peter asked Cornelius why he had sent for him,] Cornelius replied, "Four days ago I was praying in my house about this same time, three o'clock..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
Habakkuk 3:19
"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: 1 Chronicles 5:22
"Warrior, fighting under the banner of the Lord Jesus, observe this verse with holy joy, for as it was in the days of old so is it now, if the war be....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!