Living Words
"Living Words" is a weekly podcast that explores the transformative power of scripture across a diverse range of Biblical books, guided by insightful devotionals from the author's own works. Each episode seeks to deepen faith and understanding, connecting listeners with the enduring wisdom and relevance of the Bible in their daily lives.
Living Words
In His Footsteps Week 25: The Burial and the Promise of Hope
Can the act of burial offer us glimpses of divine sovereignty and hope? In our latest episode, we explore the profound story of Jesus' burial as recounted in John 19:38-42. We begin with a heartfelt prayer, guiding you towards a deeper connection with God. Then, we delve into the courageous decisions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, whose actions not only fulfilled prophecy but also underscored the unwavering reliability of Scripture. These acts of discipleship and respect, performed in a moment of great sorrow, beautifully set the stage for the triumphant resurrection, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, hope is always on the horizon.
As we transition, our focus shifts to finding solace and hope amid grief through faith in Jesus Christ. Reflecting on the silence of the tomb and the victory over the grave, we offer comfort and assurance that grief is not an end, but a passage to greater hope. By embracing the living words of God, we aim to inspire courage, foster understanding, and nurture deeper connections with those around us. Closing with prayers for steadfast discipleship and trust in God’s sovereign plan, this episode aims to guide you through life's trials, anchoring you in the enduring love and promises of Jesus. Join us for an uplifting journey from sorrow to hope.
Get a copy of the In His Footsteps devotional here.
Good morning, I'm Charles Vance and this is Living Words Podcast. Today we're in week 25, the Burial of Jesus. This is the In His Footsteps devotional 52 weeks in the Gospel of John. You can find a link to get a copy in the show notes or you can go on Amazon and just search for Charles Vance In His Footsteps 52 weeks in the Gospel of John.
Speaker 1:Charles Vance In His Footsteps 52 Weeks in the Gospel of John and week 25,. And let's open with prayer, because the whole purpose of this devotional is to lead people to find the transformative power of the Spirit of God in their life, that they can have a closer relationship and communion with Him, to be transformed, to be more obedient to the voice of Jesus and to have a better relationship with God and with others. Lord Jesus, we come before you now in praise of your name. We thank you for this day. We pray that you would open our heart, our ears, our eyes, make your word come alive, reveal new meaning to us from your ancient words. We praise you and ask for your mercy and compassion upon us, in Yeshua's name, amen.
Speaker 1:The text for the week is John 19, 38 through 42. It narrates the burial of Christ, a passage that concludes the account of his crucifixion and precedes the story of his resurrection. The pausing place in between leads into the very important three days and three nights that he spends in the tomb. It is profound. It reflects themes of courage, devotion, fulfillment to prophecy and even in the quiet moments of his death and burial, joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two secret followers, step forward in the aftermath to care for the body, and that demonstrates the significant act of discipleship and respect. After his crucifixion, joseph of Arimathea, described as a secret disciple of Jesus, requests Pilate's permission to take his body for burial. Nicodemus, who first came to him by night with questions about being born again, joins Joseph bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about 75 pounds Together. Together they take his body, wrap it in linen clothes with the spices, according to their customs. They laid it in a new tomb in a garden near the place of the crucifixion, which fulfills Isaiah's prophecy about his burial, from Isaiah 53.9.
Speaker 1:Some key themes are courage and devotion. Nicodemus and Joseph their actions demonstrated a significant shift from secret discipleship to public devotion. Their willingness to care for his body reflects a deep respect and a love for him. It illustrates the courage required to be a follower of Christ, even in the face of potential persecution. Fulfillment of prophecy even in the face of potential persecution. Fulfillment of prophecy the details of his burial, including the use of spices in a new tomb, not only adhere to the customs of the Jewish faith, but also fulfilled the prophecy about the Messiah's burial among the rich. That underscores the consistent fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. It affirms his messianic authority.
Speaker 1:Preparation for resurrection While the focus of the passages is burial, it sets the stage for the resurrection. The care given to his body, the sealing of the tomb, the location in the garden they all foreshadow victory over death, serving as pivotal moments in the Christian faith. The lessons that can be learned are the courage to step forward in faith. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus exhibited profound shift from secret discipleship to a public act of devotion, encouraged by caring for his body. It teaches us about the bravery required to follow him openly, knowing that we might be persecuted for it. John 19.38,. Later, joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus, and now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body. We have also the fulfillment of Scripture and assurance of his plan. The careful and respectful burial of Jesus, involving the use of spices and placement in a new tomb, not only fulfilled Jewish customs, but also the prophecy in Isaiah about the Messiah's burial. His attention to detail and the fulfillment of the prophecy underscores the reliability of Scripture and God's sovereign control over history, providing believers with assurance that His redemptive plan is unfailing and trustworthy. John 19, 40,. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it with spices and strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial custom.
Speaker 1:Hope and anticipation in the midst of grief. The burial of Jesus marks a moment of profound sorrow and loss, yet it also sets the stage for the hope of resurrection. The act of laying him in the tomb is not the end of the story, but a precursor to victory over death. The real story. This teaches us that our hope persists even in grief and loss. It's anchored in the promise of his resurrection and eternal life.
Speaker 1:Questions for reflection and discussion Consider the cultural and religious importance of burial practices shown in this passage. What does this respect for the body of Jesus teach us about the dignity and care for others? I think that the way that they buried him, the fact that they had to get the spices, and they had to follow a specific tradition and rule. It just spoke of the context of the immense responsibility and obligation that the people of that age felt toward the care of the dead, and we still have to this day. I think someone has said you can tell a lot about a people by the way they treat the dead.
Speaker 1:Here's a prayer for courage and discipleship. Lord God, in a world where following you may invite scrutiny or opposition, grant me the courage of Joseph, of Arimathea and Nicodemus to step forward in faith, not hidden in the shadows. Empower me to live out my discipleship boldly, to care for your body with devotion and to stand firm in my faith, regardless of the cost. And may my actions reflect a heart committed to you, bearing witness to your love and truth. Amen. A prayer for trust in His sovereign plan. Heavenly Father, in the fulfillment of your scriptures, I see the tapestry of your sovereign plan woven through the ages. Strengthen my faith in the assurance that your purposes are being fulfilled, even when I cannot see the full picture. Help me to trust in your promises, knowing that every detail in your word points to your love, your redemption and your ultimate victory over sin and death. Amen.
Speaker 1:Prayer for Hope Amidst Grief. Lord Jesus, in the quiet of the tomb, in the stillness after your sacrifice, there lies the seed of hope for the resurrection. In my own moments of loss and sorrow, remind me that grief is not the end but a passage to a greater hope. Comfort me with the promise of your victory over the grave, the assurance of reunion and the joy of eternal life in your presence. May this hope sustain me, guide me and shine through me as a testament to your enduring love. Amen. I just see that if you take these words and the promise of resurrection in him with you today and this week, let it speak to your heart and open up new meaning from the words of God, the living words, that it'll give you courage and understanding to know him better and to have better relationships with those around you. I pray all these things in the name of Jesus for you. Amen, and I'll see you next time.
