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

Friday, December 9, 2022

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.

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
  • Colossians 2:12
  • Romans 6:4

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

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 Friday, December 9, 2022

Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, Lord of all lords, Enable me to take hold of the eternal life to which I was called when I made the good confession before many..."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Our misery is that we thirst so little for these sublime things, and so much for the mocking trifles of time and space."
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
"Suppose there are prophets among you or those who dream dreams about the future, and they promise you signs or miracles, and the predicted signs or..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."

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.