Jesus' Burial (Jn. 19:31-42)

This is my personal summary of Rev Dr Stephen Tong's sermon on 29 September 2013 in STEMI Expository Preaching at True Way Presbyterian Church Singapore. It was preached in Chinese with English translation.

Passage: John 19:31-42

The sky turned dark when Jesus was crucified.  He was crucified for 6 hours, from 9 am to 3 pm. At 3 pm, He gave up His spirit, “I commit my spirit into Your hands.” Jesus’ death is an active death.  He died willingly. 

The leg bones are harder to break than any other bones in the body.  They were broken to ensure the crucified criminals die.  When they found that Jesus already was dead, there was no need to break His bones.  To confirm His death, His side was pierced and blood and water flowed.  Jesus showed no reaction confirming He already died.  (Jn. 19-31-35)

“These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken, and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.” (Jn. 19:36-37)

 

This was spoken long time ago by the prophets.  At that time nobody understood what it meant and who the Scripture was referring to whose bones will not be broken.  This is the word of God that transcends all time and space.  Through the mouth of David the psalmist, God spoke about the death of Jesus and the manner in which He would die, and specifically that  His bones were not broken. 

Jesus sacrificed His whole life for us.  How shameful it would be for us not to love the Lord when we see Him face to face one day.  His love is too high, too wide and too deep.  When we think of how much He suffered for us, may we love Him more.

Jesus never did something for Himself during His time on earth.  He was never concerned about material things.  When He died, even His outer garment was taken.  Who then would take care of His burial?  Where did Peter weep?  Where were all His disciples?  Who should handle His body?

 

The Scripture recorded two persons, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.  This is the only time Joseph of Arimathea was mentioned.  He was not one of the twelve.  He was a righteous man, with good standing in the society and was a rich man.  The problem with him was he was afraid of his own safety.  He wanted to play safe so he followed Jesus secretly.

One day he saw Jesus died.  He never imagined Jesus would sacrifice Himself to die for them.  His conscience was stirred and he wanted to handle the burial of Jesus.  Joseph was also a trusted and respected man as he was able to get permission from Pilate to take the body of Jesus, though Pilate had been troubled with Jesus the whole day.  (v.38)

Before Joseph buried Jesus, Nicodemus came.  Both were highly respected Jewish leaders.  Nicodemus embalmed the body of Jesus with about 100 kg of spices.  It is a very expensive burial.  Jesus never prepared anything for Himself in His life but God had prepared everything for His burial (v.39-42). 

When you faithfully serve the Lord, God will take care of you.  We do not need to be concerned about our own needs as our true and living God will take care of us.