John 19:42

“There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.”

Context:John 19:42 is found at the end of the chapter, which describes the events following Jesus’ crucifixion. The verse refers to the placement of Jesus’ body in a tomb. Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, had obtained permission from Pilate to take Jesus’ body down from the cross (John 19:38). Along with Nicodemus, another disciple, Joseph prepared Jesus’ body for burial by wrapping it in linen cloths with spices, according to Jewish burial customs (John 19:39-40).

Meaning:

Burial on the Jews’ preparation day:The verse states that Jesus’ body was laid in the tomb because it was the Jews’ preparation day. This day refers to Friday, the day before the Jewish Sabbath, which starts at sundown on Friday. According to Jewish law and customs, no work was to be done on the Sabbath. Therefore, it was necessary to complete the burial preparations and place Jesus’ body in the tomb before the Sabbath began.

The nearby sepulchre:The verse also mentions that the sepulchre, or tomb, was close by. This detail highlights the convenience of the location, making it feasible for Joseph and Nicodemus to transport Jesus’ body to the tomb quickly.

In this verse, we see the fulfilment of the prophecy regarding Jesus’ burial in Isaiah 53:9, which states that he would be buried with the rich. Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy man, provided his own new tomb for Jesus’ burial (Matthew 27:57-60). This demonstrates the honour and respect that Joseph held for Jesus, despite being a secret disciple.

Overall, John 19:42 provides important details about the timing and location of Jesus’ burial, underscoring the faithfulness of Joseph of Arimathea and the fulfilment of prophecy. It sets the stage for the subsequent events, including the resurrection of Jesus on the third day, as recorded in the following chapters.