Murmurs and Myrrh: Leaping together

Laura Digan March 30, 2024 5 3

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John 19: 38-42 (NRSVA)

38 After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Nicodemus speaks once more:

“Jesus is dead. They killed him. And we colluded. I colluded. Well no more. No more hiding in the shadows. No more skulking about in the darkness. 

Joseph of Arimathea, my brother Pharisee and a fellow believer, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate had did what he could for Jesus but the religious leaders had insisted he was killed. There was nothing any of us could do to save Jesus. Well, maybe we could have but we were too afraid to speak up, too afraid to push too much, too afraid to lose our position. 

Now it doesn’t matter. None of it matters. I don’t care anymore. I don’t care what anyone thinks about me anymore. 

I believed in Jesus. 

I believe in Jesus.

I believe. 

Everything has changed. 

Here we are in this fresh tomb, with Jesus’, broken body. Anointing him according to our custom, with preserving herbs and dressing him in grave clothes. 

I don’t know what will happen next but I do know the world has changed and there is no going back. 

If anyone asks me now, I’m a follower of Jesus. I believe in Jesus.”

Prayer:

Lord Jesus

Help me to live with integrity

Help me to live out my faith in all aspects of my life

Amen