Read John 19:38-42
Leaving a Lasting Impression!
Later, after Jesus’s death, Joseph of Arimathea (a wealthy man), asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. With Pilate’s permission, Joseph, along with Nicodemus, came and took the body away. Joseph was a disciple of Jesus but did so secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. Nicodemus was a Pharisee who had met with Jesus one night because he was attracted to who he was. No written evidence exists that confidently lets us know if Nicodemus was a disciple of Jesus. The fact that he was with Joseph gives the impression that he was a believer in Jesus, or at least, he was captivated with who Jesus was.
Nicodemus brought 75 lb of spices including Myrrh and Aloes for Jesus’s burial. The two men then wrapped Jesus’s body with linen along with the spices. They laid Jesus into Joseph’s tomb, a new grave never used.
Here are two men, Joseph and Nicodemus, who both had been impacted by the life of Jesus. Jesus had left a lasting impression on their hearts and lives. Here they both are, making sure Jesus gets a proper burial that meets with a custom of the Jewish practice. It was a big commitment: Nicodemus bought 75 lb of spices while Joseph laid Jesus into his own grave/tomb. Both are active in the burial of Jesus’s body. Why? Because they loved and respected Jesus. Jesus had a lasting impression on their lives.
What about us? What about you? What about me? Does my faith walk leave a lasting impression on people I come in contact with? Are people attracted to my love for them despite their past or present lifestyle? Are people curious about who Jesus is because of how I represent Christ? Do my actions draw people closer to Jesus or push them further away? Lord, help the way I represent you in all areas, be a tool that leaves a lasting impression on the lives of many.
