Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before. And so, because it was the day of preparation for the Jewish Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. John 19:38-42
Comment
Today is Good Friday. We have a different garden. A borrowed garden and a borrowed tomb for a resting place. Two of Jesus’ secret disciples took care of Jesus- wrapping his body in linen and spices. This was their worship.
Sometimes we do not stop to pause here. We like the resurrection story better.
Today take time to pause? Use the private “garden” you have together to worship Jesus. He died on the cross. His dead body was in that tomb where they placed it. Let’s pause there and worship. The scene is set for the resurrection but TODAY is for quiet worship.
Prayer (as a couple)
Father – our lives are busy. We are not often still or silent. Help us to sit in this garden where Jesus’ body rested. Holy Spirit, help us understand again what Jesus did for us on the cross. Inspire our worship. Jesus your gift to us is too costly for words. Thank you for seeing it through- for letting LOVE win. Amen
Prayer (for others)
Father God – the world rushes on around us. We pray for all the quiet churches where Jesus is remembered today. Fill the hearts of all those who love you with quiet joy as they express their love in worship. May the fragrance of that garden penetrate our world with LOVE .Amen
Final Quote
‘Come let us adore HIM’
