Commentary on John 19:40

John 19:40 states: “Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.” This verse encapsulates a moment of deep significance in the narrative of Jesus' passion, reflecting themes of grief, honor, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Context and Background

At this juncture in the Gospel of John, we encounter the aftermath of the crucifixion. Jesus, having completed His arduous work of redemption, now faces the finality of death. The act of preparing His body for burial bears immense theological weight, signifying both the reality of His humanity and the profound love of those who mourned Him.

Historical Practices

The mention of “linen clothes” and “spices” reflects Jewish burial customs of the time. Public domain sources such as Matthew Henry provide insight into these practices, emphasizing that it was common to tenderly wrap the deceased in linen and prepare them with aromatic spices to thwart the odor of decay. The specifics of this act reveal the reverence held for the deceased in Jewish culture and point to the necessity of honoring Jesus even after His death.

Significance of the Actions

The details surrounding the burial play a crucial role in affirming Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. Albert Barnes highlights that the careful preparation of Jesus' body was not merely a cultural obligation but a profound expression of love and respect from His followers, particularly Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, who bravely took charge in the face of societal stigma.

Joseph of Arimathea

• Profile: He was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, who secretly followed Jesus and contested the decision to crucify Him.
• Courage: Matthew Henry notes Joseph's boldness in requesting the body of Jesus from Pilate—demonstrating courage that contrasts sharply with the fear exhibited by the disciples.

Nicodemus

• Transformation: Nicodemus, who first approached Jesus by night in John 3, now openly associates with Him. This signifies a transformation that aligns with the theme of enlightenment found throughout John's Gospel.
• Symbol of New Life: His contribution of a mixture of myrrh and aloes points to the prophetic symbolism surrounding Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Theological Implications

Adam Clarke addresses the theological implications of this burial. The act of wrapping Jesus in linen serves not only as a literal burial preparation but symbolizes the deeper spiritual reality of His death for humanity's sins. The usage of spices reminds readers of the prophetic utterances concerning the Messiah's suffering. Clarke emphasizes that this moment anticipates the resurrection, marking the transition from death to life.

Fulfillment of Prophecy

In the broader biblical narrative, John 19:40 can be understood as a fulfillment of prophecy regarding the Messiah's burial. Commentaries often refer to Isaiah 53:9, which foretold that the servant of the Lord would be with the rich in His death. This aspect enriches the understanding of God’s sovereignty at work even in moments of apparent loss.

Application for Today

For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, John 19:40 serves as a critical verse for reflection on discipleship and the nature of true devotion. The actions of Joseph and Nicodemus model courage in the face of social repercussions, calling modern believers to consider their own responses to Jesus. How are we, as followers of Christ, willing to honor Him in our lives, especially when it entails standing against the crowd?

Conclusion

In concluding thoughts, John 19:40 invites deep meditation on the meaning of Jesus’ death and burial. It juxtaposes the dishonor of crucifixion with the honor bestowed upon Him in burial. This duality reinforces the message of hope that his followers would soon experience through His resurrection. Through the careful preparation of Jesus' body, we are reminded that every detail within God's redemptive plan is purposeful and significant for those who believe. As we delve deeper into this passage, may we seek to embody the love and courage demonstrated by those who prepared Jesus for burial, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives.