John 19:40 – “Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. After Jesus’ crucifixion, these two men, both of whom were part of the Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin), stepped forward to ensure Jesus was given a proper burial.

They wrapped His body in linen and applied burial spices, following the traditions of Jewish burials. This was a significant act, showing deep respect and love for Jesus. Although Jesus had been executed as a criminal, He was buried with honor, fulfilling prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) that said the Messiah would be buried “with the rich in his death.”

This verse also shows that Jesus truly died. His body was carefully handled, wrapped, and placed in a tomb—He did not simply faint or enter a coma, as some skeptics claim. His burial proves that His death was real, setting the stage for the miraculous resurrection that would follow.

Historical Context

Jewish Burial Customs

• Jewish law required that bodies be buried before sundown, especially before the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 21:22-23).
• The dead were typically wrapped in linen and their bodies were covered with spices to reduce the smell of decay.
• Wealthy individuals or honored people were buried in rock-cut tombs, rather than mass graves.
• Tombs were sealed with a heavy stone to protect the body from animals or thieves.

The Role of Joseph and Nicodemus

• Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and respected man who had secretly followed Jesus. He provided the tomb (Matthew 27:57-60).
• Nicodemus, who had once been hesitant in his faith (John 3:1-21), now publicly honored Jesus by bringing about 75 pounds of burial spices (John 19:39), a royal-level amount.
• Their actions fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) and confirmed that even among Israel’s leaders, some recognized Jesus as the Messiah.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus’ Death Was Real – His body was wrapped and buried, confirming that He truly died, which makes His resurrection even more miraculous.
2. Fulfillment of Prophecy – Jesus’ burial fulfilled Isaiah 53:9, which said the Messiah would be buried with the rich. Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb provided that fulfillment.
3. The Courage of Joseph and Nicodemus – These men, who had been secret disciples, risked their reputations by stepping forward to care for Jesus’ body. Their faith became public.
4. Jesus’ Burial Points to His Resurrection – Burial is usually the final step in a person’s life, but for Jesus, it was only temporary. His burial prepared the way for His resurrection.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel focuses on the fulfillment of Scripture, and this verse is no exception.

• The Care in Burial – Unlike criminals, who were often thrown into unmarked graves, Jesus was treated with dignity, showing His significance.
• The Use of Burial Spices – The extravagant amount of spices (John 19:39) signified honor and respect, typically reserved for kings. Even in death, Jesus was treated as royalty.
• The Contrast Between Secrecy and Boldness – Joseph and Nicodemus had once been afraid to publicly follow Jesus, but now they boldly took care of His burial, showing how His death transformed them.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:9 – “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.”
• Matthew 27:57-60 – Describes Joseph of Arimathea giving his own tomb for Jesus.
• Mark 15:46 – Details Jesus being wrapped in linen and placed in the tomb.
• Luke 23:50-56 – Mentions that the women saw where Jesus was buried, setting up the resurrection account.
• John 19:39 – Nicodemus brought an expensive amount of burial spices, showing great devotion.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Faith Sometimes Requires Boldness – Joseph and Nicodemus had been secret followers of Jesus, but when it mattered most, they stepped forward. This challenges us to live our faith openly.
2. God’s Plans Are Always Fulfilled – Jesus’ burial happened exactly as the Old Testament predicted, showing that God’s Word is trustworthy.
3. Death Is Not the End – Jesus’ burial reminds us that death is not final. Because He rose again, we have hope of eternal life.
4. Honor Jesus with Our Actions – Just as Nicodemus and Joseph honored Jesus in His burial, we should honor Him in how we live—through our devotion, service, and courage.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He ensured that Jesus was buried with honor. Even though Jesus was condemned as a criminal, God made sure He was treated as a King.

This verse also reminds us that God is always in control, even when things seem hopeless. At this moment, Jesus was dead, and it looked like evil had won. But in reality, this was all part of God’s plan to bring salvation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus, the Fulfillment of Prophecy – His burial in a rich man’s tomb was foretold in Isaiah 53:9.
2. Jesus, the King Even in Death – The expensive burial spices and linen showed that even in death, He was honored.
3. Jesus, the One Who Transforms Hearts – Joseph and Nicodemus went from fearful secret believers to bold followers, showing the power of Jesus’ impact.
4. Jesus, the One Who Conquered the Grave – His burial set the stage for the resurrection, proving that death could not hold Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Joseph and Nicodemus stepped forward after Jesus’ death?
2. How does Jesus’ burial fulfill Old Testament prophecy?
3. What does Nicodemus’ transformation teach us about growing in faith?
4. In what ways can we, like Joseph and Nicodemus, honor Jesus in our daily lives?
5. How does this verse remind us that God is in control, even when things seem dark?

Jesus’ burial was not the end of the story—it was the preparation for His greatest victory. Just as Joseph and Nicodemus honored Him in death, we are called to honor Him with our lives, knowing that the tomb could not hold Him.