What significance does the use of spices and linen hold in John 19:40? “They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.” The cultural picture • First-century Jewish burials happened quickly—before sunset—using clean linen strips and aromatic spices to honor the deceased and slow decomposition (cf. Genesis 50:2-3; 2 Chronicles 16:14). • Nicodemus brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred litrai” (John 19:39), an amount fit for royalty. Confirming a real, physical death • Linen and spices testify Jesus truly died, not merely swooned. His body required the same care every corpse needed. • Luke 23:46 & 53 echoes the same reality: “He breathed His last… wrapped it in a linen cloth.” Honoring the King even in death • Royal burials included copious spices (2 Chronicles 16:14). Jesus, proclaimed “King of the Jews” (John 19:19), receives kingly treatment. • Isaiah 53:9 foresaw He would be “with the rich in His death.” Joseph’s new tomb and Nicodemus’ costly spices fulfill that prophecy. Prophecy of preservation • Spices were meant to mask decay, yet Psalm 16:10 promised, “You will not let Your Holy One see decay.” • By Sunday, only the linen and spices remained (John 20:6-7), silently declaring that God kept His word. Foreshadowing the resurrection • John highlights the linen cloths twice (19:40; 20:6-7). When Peter found them lying there, the message was clear: the body had departed without unwrapping—an unmistakable sign of resurrection power. • Lazarus emerged “bound hand and foot with linen strips” (John 11:44). Jesus left His behind, never to need them again. The aroma of sacrifice • Myrrh and aloes release a sweet fragrance when crushed—mirroring the sweetness of Christ’s sacrifice (Ephesians 5:2). • 2 Corinthians 2:14-15 links Christ to a “sweet aroma,” and Songs 1:3 speaks of the Beloved’s “pleasing fragrance.” The spices preach the beauty of His atoning death. Linen: symbol of purity and righteousness • Revelation 19:8 interprets fine linen as “the righteous acts of the saints.” Jesus, the spotless Lamb, is wrapped in purity even in death. • His righteousness, later exchanged for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), is pictured in those clean cloths. Why it matters today • The spices and linen assure us the cross was no illusion; redemption rests on a literal death and bodily resurrection. • They highlight the infinite worth of Jesus—worthy of royal honor, fragrant worship, and spotless purity. • As the linen lay folded, believers can rest in a finished work and a living Savior who guarantees our own resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23). |
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