Scripture: John 19:38-42
38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Reflection:
It is nearing night on this Good Friday. In less than an hour the sun will set and darkness will take over. Imagine the darkness that crept into the hearts of Jesus’ followers, friends, and family on their first night without him.
Activity:
Walk outside and look toward the setting sun. As you gaze on the horizon consider the darkness that is a life lived without Jesus. While considering this let your mind rest on people in your life who are living in that darkness and pray that they might awaken to the living Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Lord, you are the true light of this world and as this day ends I thank you for your Spirit alive in me that lights my spirit on fire. I pray that fire will sustain me until the great celebration of Easter Sunday and your victory over sin and death. Amen.
