What Does John 19:38-40 Mean?
John 19:38-40 describes how Joseph of Arimathea, a secret follower of Jesus, bravely asked Pilate for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. With help from Nicodemus, he took the body, wrapped it in linen with spices, and prepared it for burial according to Jewish custom. Though they had once kept their faith hidden, now they stepped forward to honor Jesus openly.
John 19:38-40
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.
Key Facts
Book
Author
John
Genre
Gospel
Date
c. AD 90-100 (writing); event occurred c. AD 30-33
Key People
- Joseph of Arimathea
- Nicodemus
- Jesus
- Pilate
Key Themes
- Courage in faith
- Fulfillment of Jewish burial customs
- Honor in the face of fear
- Preparation for resurrection
Key Takeaways
- Faith often begins with a brave step, even in grief.
- Love for Christ transforms fear into bold, costly action.
- Honor given to Jesus prepares the way for resurrection.
A Burial Fit for the King
In the quiet aftermath of Jesus’ death, two unlikely men step out of the shadows to give Him a burial fit for a king.
Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy council member and secret disciple, bravely asks Pilate for Jesus’ body - a risky move that could cost him status and safety. He’s joined by Nicodemus, who once came to Jesus at night afraid of what others would think, now arriving with about seventy-five pounds of myrrh and aloes, an extravagant amount showing deep respect. Together, they wrap Jesus’ body in linen cloths with the spices, following Jewish burial customs that aimed to honor the dead and slow decay.
This act of love and courage honors Jesus’ final moments and prepares for the resurrection a few days later.
From Fear to Faithful Action
These two men, once hidden in fear, now step into the open light of devotion.
Joseph, a respected member of the Jewish council, risked his reputation by asking Pilate for Jesus’ body - a bold move when others were distancing themselves. Nicodemus, who first visited Jesus at night to stay hidden, now brings about seventy‑five pounds of myrrh and aloes, indicating royal honor rather than mere respect.
In Jewish custom, bodies were washed, anointed with spices, and wrapped in linen to prepare for burial, a process that showed both love and reverence. The other Gospels mention Joseph’s role, but only John records Nicodemus joining him and bringing such an extravagant amount of spices - highlighting the depth of his changed heart. The weight - about seventy-five pounds - was far more than needed, showing that fear had given way to extravagant love. This act, quiet yet powerful, sets the stage for the empty tomb we’ll soon encounter.
Faith That Steps Forward
Even in the darkness of Jesus’ death, these quiet acts of courage show that true faith often begins with a single step of obedience.
Joseph and Nicodemus, once fearful of being seen with Jesus, now risk everything, showing that belief is demonstrated by actions, not merely words. Their actions fulfill Jewish burial customs and echo Isaiah 53:9, which says, 'He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death,' showing how even in death, Jesus was honored in ways that pointed to His kingship.
This moment prepares our hearts for the resurrection, reminding us that love is often loudest when it costs something.
The Tomb That Could Not Hold Him
This burial, performed with honor and care, prepares the way for the resurrection in a few days.
When the women reached the tomb early Sunday, they found it empty, as Mark 16:1‑6 records: 'And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.' And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here.”' The spices and linen that Joseph and Nicodemus so carefully used were now left behind, not needed anymore.
The tomb could not hold him, but the love these men showed in burying Jesus still speaks - a final act of devotion that met the dawn of a new hope.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a time when I believed in Jesus but kept it quiet - afraid of what coworkers might think, worried I’d be seen as too 'religious.' I knew the truth in my head, but my actions didn’t match. Then one day, a friend went through a painful loss, and instead of staying silent, I shared how Jesus’ own burial was honored by brave men who finally stepped forward. I offered to pray with her. My voice shook, but I did it. That small act of courage changed something in me. Like Joseph and Nicodemus, I realized faith is not merely private belief; it requires loving openly, even when it’s hard. Their story reminded me that God honors the quiet steps we take to honor Jesus, especially when fear used to hold us back.
Personal Reflection
- What is one area where I’m still hiding my faith out of fear, and what small step could I take this week to step into the light?
- How can I demonstrate love to Jesus beyond words, through tangible actions like Joseph and Nicodemus showed with their time, resources, and reputation?
- When I think about honoring Jesus, do I hold back because it seems too costly, or do I trust that love like theirs leaves a lasting mark?
A Challenge For You
This week, do one visible thing that shows your love for Jesus - something that might feel risky or require sacrifice. It could be sharing a Bible verse with a friend, serving in a way no one sees, or praying out loud in a group. Let your actions express what your heart believes, as Joseph and Nicodemus did at the tomb.
A Prayer of Response
Jesus, thank you that even in your death, you were honored by those who found courage to follow. I admit there are times I keep my faith quiet, afraid of what others might think. Help me love you openly, beyond my thoughts, in my actions. Give me the bravery to step forward, even in small ways, to honor you. May my life reflect devotion that lays something down for you, as they did at the tomb.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
John 19:30-37
Describes the crucifixion and death of Jesus, setting the immediate scene for Joseph’s request for the body.
John 20:1-2
Records the discovery of the empty tomb, showing the outcome of the burial described in 19:38-40.
Connections Across Scripture
Isaiah 53:9
Prophesies that the Messiah would be buried with the rich, fulfilled in Joseph’s tomb.
1 Corinthians 1:27
Highlights how God uses unexpected people to advance His purposes, like Joseph and Nicodemus.
Romans 10:9
Calls believers to openly confess Christ, echoing the courage Joseph and Nicodemus finally showed.