What is the meaning of John 19:40? So they took the body of Jesus • Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus step forward after Jesus’ death (John 19:38-39). Their courage answers their earlier silence and shows God’s providence in providing honorable caretakers for His Son. • The phrase underscores the reality of Jesus’ physical death—He was not merely unconscious. Pilate confirmed the death (Mark 15:45), and the soldiers had pierced His side (John 19:33-34). • By removing the body before nightfall they obeyed Deuteronomy 21:22-23, keeping the land from ceremonial defilement and fulfilling Scripture that even in death Jesus remained under God’s law (Galatians 4:4-5). • Isaiah 53:9 foretold that the Suffering Servant would be assigned a grave “with a rich man.” Joseph’s actions make that prophecy concrete. and wrapped it in linen cloths • Joseph purchased “a linen cloth” (Mark 15:46) and, with Nicodemus, wound the body in strips—an act of reverence normally performed by family or close friends (Luke 23:53). • Linen points to purity (Revelation 19:8). The spotless Lamb is laid to rest in clean fabric, visually affirming His sinlessness (Hebrews 4:15). • The careful wrapping refutes later rumors that disciples stole the body; the grave-clothes were found undisturbed (John 20:6-7). • At Jesus’ birth He was wrapped in swaddling cloths (Luke 2:7). The parallel from manger to tomb frames His earthly mission—from humble incarnation to sacrificial death. with the spices • Nicodemus brought “a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds” (John 19:39). Such a lavish amount signals deep honor, more fitting for a king than a criminal (cf. Matthew 2:11 where myrrh is a royal gift). • Spices slowed decay and masked odor (John 11:39). Their use affirms Jesus’ real death while setting the stage for the empty tomb; when the women return with more spices (Mark 16:1), they find them unnecessary. • Myrrh had been offered to Jesus at His birth and on the cross (Mark 15:23). Its presence in burial bookends His life of sacrificial service (Ephesians 5:2). • Psalm 45:8 speaks of royal garments scented with myrrh and aloes, hinting at Messiah’s kingly status even in death. according to the Jewish burial custom • Jewish custom involved washing, anointing, wrapping, and burial before sundown, especially prior to a Sabbath (Luke 23:54). Joseph and Nicodemus act quickly but thoroughly, keeping the fourth commandment. • Their obedience highlights that Jesus fulfilled every aspect of the Law, even in how His body was handled (Matthew 5:17). • A specific tomb, known to the authorities (Matthew 27:62-66), and Jewish burial practices eliminate theories of mistaken identity or location. The burial is as historically certain as the crucifixion (Acts 13:29; 1 Corinthians 15:4). • Custom dictated family tombs, yet Jesus is placed in a new, unused one (John 19:41), preventing any confusion with other remains and fulfilling prophecy of a unique grave. summary John 19:40 shows devoted followers giving Jesus a reverent, law-honoring burial. Their actions confirm His literal death, fulfill prophecy, and prepare the evidential groundwork for His bodily resurrection. The clean linen, abundant spices, and careful observance of Jewish custom all underscore that the Messiah’s mission was completed without compromise and that His forthcoming victory over the grave would be unmistakable. |
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