The Passion 24

Footnotes

 

NICODEMUS

After Jesus' death, the Bible records Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, assisting Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus' body for burial. Nicodemus brought a mixture of spices for anointing the body, which was a customary practice for Jewish burials. Beyond this, the Bible is silent about Nicodemus's later life and activities. 

The Gospel of John mentions Nicodemus twice after Jesus' death. He is described as a secret disciple of Jesus, who was afraid of the Jews. He and Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body down from the cross and prepared it for burial. 

Some traditions suggest Nicodemus later became a follower of Jesus and was cast out of the Sanhedrin. Other traditions claim he lived in the home of Gamaliel, another member of the Sanhedrin. Some say Nicodemus was baptized by Peter and John. 

The Bible does not explicitly state whether Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus or what happened to him after assisting with the burial. There is no scriptural evidence to support or refute the traditions about his later life.

 

 

JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA

 

After Jesus' death, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and secret follower of Christ, asked Pilate for Jesus' body and buried it in his own unused tomb, which was then sealed with a large stone. Legends and traditions later developed around him, including his travels to Britain and founding the first Christian church there. 

The New Testament mentions Joseph of Arimathea in all four Gospels, highlighting his role in the burial of Jesus. Joseph, a "secret disciple" of Jesus, approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested the body of Jesus for burial. Pilate granted the request, and Joseph, with the help of Nicodemus, prepared Jesus' body for burial and placed it in a new tomb that Joseph had built for himself. After Jesus' body was placed in the tomb, a large stone was rolled against the entrance to seal it. 

A popular legend states that Joseph, after the resurrection, traveled to Britain, bringing the Holy Grail (the cup used at the Last Supper) with him and establishing the first Christian church in Glastonbury, Somerset. Another legend claims that Joseph planted a staff that miraculously grew into a flowering thorn tree, which still blooms at Glastonbury on Christmas Day. Joseph of Arimathea is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, and remains the patron saint of morticians and undertakers. 

More footnotes next time; until then, walk with the King & be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministries