Faith in the Shadows
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus… With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus… Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen… Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.” — John 19:38–42 (NIV)
The day ends in sorrow. Jesus is dead. The Light of the world seems extinguished. The cross now stands empty, and silence settles like dusk over the land. And yet, in this quiet moment, unexpected tenderness rises.
Joseph of Arimathea, once a secret disciple, now steps forward in courage. Nicodemus, who came to Jesus under the cover of night, brings a hundred pounds of spices—an extravagant, sorrowful offering of love. Together, they do what others could not bear to do. They touch the bruised body of Christ, wrap Him in linen, and lay Him in a garden tomb.
Matthew Henry wrote, “The grave is sanctified to all believers by Christ’s lying in it.” Even death itself has been transformed.
Alexander Maclaren notes, “The hands that anointed Him for burial were guided by love. Their silent service bore witness that faith had not died with Jesus.”
There is no sermon, no song, no miracle here—only faithful love in the face of grief. And yet, it is precisely here—in the stillness of death—that God is preparing resurrection.
Within our darkest night, God is still at work.
William Barclay observes, “Even in death, Jesus drew people to Him.” The boldness of Joseph and the devotion of Nicodemus remind us: it is never too late to step out of the shadows and draw near to Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, even in the silence of death, You were held in love. Thank You for transforming the grave into a place of hope. Teach me to trust You in the dark, to serve You in the quiet, and to believe that even now, You are at work. Amen.
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