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The Desire of Ages
In this emergency, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus came
to the help of the disciples. Both these men were members of the
Sanhedrin, and were acquainted with Pilate. Both were men of wealth
and influence. They were determined that the body of Jesus should
have an honorable burial.
Joseph went boldly to Pilate, and begged from him the body of
Jesus. For the first time, Pilate learned that Jesus was really dead.
Conflicting reports had reached him in regard to the events attending
the crucifixion, but the knowledge of Christ’s death had been purposely
kept from him. Pilate had been warned by the priests and rulers against
deception by Christ’s disciples in regard to His body. Upon hearing
Joseph’s request, he therefore sent for the centurion who had charge
at the cross, and learned for a certainty of the death of Jesus. He also
drew from him an account of the scenes of Calvary, confirming the
testimony of Joseph.
The request of Joseph was granted. While John was troubled about
the burial of his Master, Joseph returned with Pilate’s order for the body
of Christ; and Nicodemus came bringing a costly mixture of myrrh
and aloes, of about a hundred pounds’ weight, for His embalming.
The most honored in all Jerusalem could not have been shown more
respect in death. The disciples were astonished to see these wealthy
rulers as much interested as they themselves in the burial of their Lord.
Neither Joseph nor Nicodemus had openly accepted the Saviour
while He was living. They knew that such a step would exclude them
from the Sanhedrin, and they hoped to protect Him by their influence
in its councils. For a time they had seemed to succeed; but the wily
priests, seeing their favor to Christ, had thwarted their plans. In their
absence Jesus had been condemned and delivered to be crucified. Now
that He was dead, they no longer concealed their attachment to Him.
While the disciples feared to show themselves openly as His followers,
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Joseph and Nicodemus came boldly to their aid. The help of these
rich and honored men was greatly needed at this time. They could do
for their dead Master what it was impossible for the poor disciples to
do; and their wealth and influence protected them, in a great measure,
from the malice of the priests and rulers.
Gently and reverently they removed with their own hands the body
of Jesus from the cross. Their tears of sympathy fell fast as they
looked upon His bruised and lacerated form. Joseph owned a new