Jesus’ body was placed in the tomb Friday. Romans soldiers guarded it through the day on Saturday (Sabbath). Sabbath ended 6pm & his body was ceremonially treated for burial with spices purchased by Nicodemus (John 19:39-40).
Nicodemus (like Joseph of Arimathea) was a member of the Sanhedrin, the court that had condemned Jesus to death. Neither of them were present during Jesus’ trial. Both men lived as secret followers of Jesus, afraid to make a public profession of faith because of their prominent position in the community. Both men were affected by Jesus’ death, came out of hiding, risking their reputation and lives to do so.
While Jesus’ physical body lay in the tomb, He paid the penalty for sin by offering the perfect, spotless sacrifice. He conquered death, both spiritually and physically, securing our salvation. “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. He paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God.” (1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT).
Let’s sing: “Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain He washed it white as snow…”