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. 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. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 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. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.—John 19:38-42
We may be so familiar with the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection that we may miss the significance of his burial. Burial wasn’t guaranteed for criminals. In fact, the Romans often provided no burial at all to those they crucified. To add to their shameful death, they would leave them on the cross at the mercy of scavenging vultures. Yet, in some cases, they would relent and release them to family members to be buried. Add to this that Jews at this time would never bury criminals in a traditional family tomb. Their most likely resting place was a common grave with other criminals. Imagine if this had been the fate of Jesus.
It might have been except for the courageous act of Joseph and Nicodemus. Both, who ironically, had come to follow Jesus in secret. Even in the midst of fear, Joseph takes a significant risk. Mark 15:42-43 describes Joseph’s actions this way:
“It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.”
Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the leadership council who had just convicted Jesus and sentenced him to death. Luke tells us that Joseph was one of the council members who made it clear that he disagreed with the decision. Then consider this: Jesus’ family members didn’t ask for his body, but rather Joseph, a member of the council who sent Jesus to his death. That's courage.
Think of how far Joseph had come. From someone who must have been quite skeptical of Jesus at first, given Joseph’s role as a Jewish leader, to someone who takes great risk to ensure Jesus has a proper burial. A burial not in a mass grave, but a tomb. A tomb that would soon be empty and reveal a resurrected Lord.
Today take a risk and share Christ with someone else. They may be skeptical at first, but you have no idea how their life may change and the role they will have in Christian history.
DO THIS: Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:
- Pray: for 5-minutes, for one person you know who needs Christ.
- Tell: us in the comments below this person's name.
- Call: and tell this person that you prayed for him/her today.
⚡Share That You Completed Today's Challenge
Sheldon Jr
Mike
Mark
David and Beth
Bob
My kids
My Dad
Ethan Frock
Brandon and CJ
Pray for my mom who doesn’t know Jesus that he could find her ❤️✝️
Connor
Rene, Greg, Paul, Mark, Mike, David and Brian…The Quickening is here and time is short. Open your eyes and your heart. It is given freely…there are no strings attached. Godspeed!
Brother in law Nathan
My wife Juliet who’s struggling with her past and divorcing me as we speak.
My brothers in arms who have done their time and still have hope:
Paul, a brother and warrior who GRAVELY needs help coming back home.
Noreldeen, my brother and best friend who I truly wish would open his eyes and his heart.
Matthew, my dear friend and neighbor who’s read the Word yet sees the worlds religion as all the same.
Guys I’ve already lost 3 friends to some satanic sh*t, my buddies are killing themselves, they are good men, with good hearts, how many more must die?
We’re not down range anymore! How many more families need to be destroyed?
Guys I really would appreciate the sincere prayers for my wife and I. I’m going through my third divorce and I do t want to do this anymore. He hates putting away, and my wife won’t see the truth. She doesn’t let go of the fear and anxiety. I don’t know what else to do.
I’m doing my best not to lean on my own understanding and trust in Him with all my heart and soul. I need help. Please.
Hold fast in the Word Jared. I am praying for y`all, but God is in your midst. Godspeed Brother!
Praying for you ❤️✝️
I’ve got a list and it’s growing…I want everyone on that list to know Christ and hope to share Him with each one.
Marcel
I pray that my daughter Vanessa will go all the way and receive Jesus Christ into her life!!
Brian and Paul
Rich
Mariah
I pray for my dad Ralph that he finds the Lord and puts him into his heart.
Patrick
My son Stephen and his wife Jessica
I prayed for a few folks. My wife, who is growing closer to Christ every day amidst our separation. I prayed for my daughter Olivia, who doesn’t fully know Christ yet. I prayed for my niece Leah, who is hurt and wayward. May the peace of the Lord fill all 3 of them
Today I’m praying for son Gabriel. I pray he answers the voice of my Lord. That he would reject the destruction around him and accept peace.
Sal, Jr.
President Biden needs to know Christ so he can stop ruining our country
Brian
Tanner
John
Friends Lucia and Slava, Stephanie and Jason
Ed
Bruce
Jeff
Gene
My neighbor Dennis
Matt
Rick
Kelvin
Lucas
Mark
I don’t have a clue….
Joey my Son
Jo
Wayne.
Jeff Cornwall
Dylan
Jill
Pete
Mark
Randy
Kris
Chris
Daniel
I pray for my children to know the love of God
I pray that all my children will have a relationship with God through his son Jesus Christ.
Dale
Cody
I pray for Cheryl to know the love of God.
My family’s boarder George needs Christ
Don
Jack
My brother David. He’s very ill and needs the Lord in his life now..
Sarah
I pray for my daughter Donia and grandson Kevin to find the love of God.
Chuck
Brian to name one
My 5 children, their spouses, and all my Grandchildren. The though of them not being with me in eternity hurts my heart. The thought of them instead suffering eternal suffering makes me lay awake at night.
Dallas
I pray that Is and Bri could have christ in there life
Tim
Lil
Pray for Eric today n opportunity to share Christ
Tucker Langseth
Thanks for the insights into Joseph of Arimathea’s courage, Vince.
I’m praying for Mike.
Praying today for my friend Dave who is wandering and trying to overcome on his own power.
The Lord has risen!
Gilbert – try to set up “Sharing Jesus”with him on his birthday
My Brothers, Mike and Jim.
I pray that they will fully trust in Jesus as their Savior.
#boom
Dr. N
Robert
Melvin
I’ve never heard this part of the story before. Very enlightening, thanks for sharing Vince!
You bet, brother!
Casey and cherum and Eric
Pray
Larsons
Hallelujah
Many
Victoria
My son maddox
Eric
Jonathan
Terry
Dave
Tony
Damon
Dan
Sergei Robinson and oh man calling or messaging him is extremely scary, because he is not interested in God at all and has made that clear and now it’s been awhile since i last talked with him. Prayer for courage and happy Easter!
Ryan
Jerry
Praying for Cklair, knowing that if he accepts Jesus as LORD so might his son, Bill and daughters Judy and Kristin. Cklair just turned 91 years old.
D R
O God , thanks to people of Joseph character that stand up at the right time . Help me Lord to be a Joseph to take risk for Christ , for He already risked all he had for me.
Jimmy
Praying for my son Jacob
John
Kevin
Shawn. I pray that one day you will find Jesus Christ.
I prayed for my cousin Alex
My sons.
I’ve learned something new from this today and I plan to share it.
Lord, my brother, my friend, and my dad all need you. I pray for my brother that you will shine through to him in times he is feeling down still to his injury and as he continues to figure out who he is. I pray for my friend that he will continue exploring with you and overall living a life that pleases you and serves you. I pray for my dad. First of all, for his safety and wellbeing during these crazy times. I pray that you continue to feed him positive thoughts and allow him to have a great weekend. I pray that I can continue to connect and have great times with him. Please allow him to reconnect with you, and use me in how you want to go about doing that.
Daniel (my son) again. Praying that the Holy Spirit touches his heart and spirit this Resurrection Weekend.
OK, I will admit it. Personal invitation.witnessing/evangelizing is not my style. I am not afraid to let people know that I believe in the risen Savior but feel uncomfortable telling an unbeliever that I prayed for them (even though I do, especially family). Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for any hesitancy to proclaim Your name.
Son Luke
I’m going to pray on this and think about it more than just today..
I hope my Dad’s heart is finally open to received the message.
Matt
Wes
Jim
Ariel, Khoder, Sukh and Weidong are four that I pray will come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior
I’m going to invite all my neighbors to watch our church’s Easter service from last year on TV tomorrow.
I will make the call but I reflected on how to approach this and I think I will approach with some questions. Have you recognized Jesus the prophet as your mentor? Have you recognized Jesus the priest as your redeemer? Have you recognized Jesus the King as your boss?
Joe
Jacob Groehler (adultish nephew)
Stan Jensen
I’ve mentioned Rodney before, so I’m also praying for an old friend named Whitney
I know he knows him but Robin needs him more than ever to get his life back. He had come so far and needs to understand that this is just a blip in time and he can recover with Gods help and trusting in him
Long family
Brian
Playing for my friend Kyle today.
Help me be bold for Christ
Deanna
Joey
Jonathan
Thank you Jesus for the opportunity to share and spread the gospel.
Travis
Madison
Jason, Chris, Zach, Matthew.
Believe it or not, there aren’t too many people that I know, that do not profess to be Christian. But the Lord gave me a name. I had to look through my address book on my phone. His name is Howie Stewart. He used to work at CP Manufacturing. A young man that partied every weekend and throughout the week. Pray that my testimony would touch his heart.
This morning I pray for a roommate that I just took in, He is a good man, down on his luck a bit. He is a godly man and believes in the Word and Gods work so we are going to continue to pray. We will also build on this as two men who will continue to help each other out as God would advise.
His name is Timothy.
Lord, I pray for Donald and that might come to truly have a personal relationship with uou.
Lord I pray that Jim will come to know you as his personal savior today!
Trevor
The name… ended up leaving a message. Simple, but scary.
Way to go Bryan and hope all is well with your family..
I heard a good message a while ago that the main reason Christian men don’t share Christ with people in their various circles is they are afraid of being hypocritical because they have so many issues. The message encouraged us to use those shortcomings to others as testimony of Christs love and grace, rather than turning believers into instant “boyscouts”.
Gordy and my brother Carl
My friend Jez is in cancer treatment in the UK. I’m sending him a Bible and praying that in this time of uncertainty and isolation, the LORD uses the Word to open Jez’s eyes to see and ears to hear the voice of truth.
Jenny
Damariss
Charles.
Praying for my friend Amy that she might come to know the Lord. Lord give me the strength to minister to her in a kind and non intrusive way so that you might reveal yourself to her this Easter weekend.
I will contact Pat again today and try to convince him that Christ is the only way to salvation. I pray for him often hopeing that he will finally open his eyes to see the truth. Thank you Jesus for the courage to continue.
My son Ian
Mark, Jon ,Jim,Rick
Lamon my older brother for many years he has struggle with drugs he need to be delivered he needs salvation.
Praying for my sister Kris that I may minister to her tomorrow.
Darren, my younger brother.
Younce
My comment today is that I have never heard of the tomb or burial selection in that way. It was a act of courage and I see now the significance that I (we) can have on taking that same courage and sharing the gospel of Jesus. Thank you Vince for that today
Kylee
Sister Donna she is lost
Slim Perkins
John
Patrick is the name of the person that I will be talking to.
Greg
Matt
Family members that proclaim Christ but, only live in the shadows of Christ and not in the light of Christ.
Jeff Fay
Ron, Louie, Jen and Jamie
Jacob
Father give Nick the strength and courage to share with Nick the Gospel story – in Jesus name!
Emily, young lady who works at a local small business.
Risk it all . Jesus will never forsake you or fail you.
We never know who the Lord will use or save. We just have to have the courage to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Lord God give Warren the courage and boldness to witness Jesus to whom you bring before him – in Jesus name!
Thanks for your prayer my brother. God bless you and your family and friends. Bless Art’s footsteps.
Adam
I pray for my best friend Vernard and my brother Shawn to know Christ. I pray for their salvation and openness to hear the word of God. I ask God for wisdom and boldness to share my testimony.
Will put Bernard and Shawn on my prayer list. My prayer for you Jon is that the Holy Spirit will use you to draw them to Christ. Amount every word that comes out of Jon’s mouth.