
Read today's scripture here: John19:38-42
I am not 100% sure who Joseph is, and if you have insight, please post because I'd love to know, but I do remember Nicodemus. We learned about him back in Chapter 3. (click on his name to refresh your memory). What is amazing to me, is what Jesus taught Nicodemus when he came to him in Chapter 3. Nicodemus didn't really ask Jesus about being born again, what he asked was verification that he was the Son of God. Jesus goes on to share with him about the need to be born again.
I am sure in your life, God has prepared you for things that you would have no idea were going to happen, or where you would be or what would effect you. God knows what you need before you even know to ask for it. This scripture is a prime example.
Here we are with Nicodemus preparing Jesus for burial. There is no doubt that Jesus is dead. Nicodemus gets to witness it first hand. I wonder what is going through his head as he cares for Jesus? With experience of loosing loved ones, it would be what they said to you while they were alive. For Nicodemus, it was this: No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Nicodemus is about to get his world rocked with purpose.
Remember, also, that God has purpose. Nicodemus is Israel's teacher. Were you ever taught the passage John 3:16, for God so loved the world that he gave... It was the first verse I memorized. Guess who Jesus told that to? Yes, Nicodemus.