Instead of the disciples, at the death of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (the esteemed Pharisee), ask for Jesus’s body to bury Him. Before the crucifixion, both of them had followed Him secretly. After His death, they stepped up to prepare His body for burial. Even if we’re late to the game, we can still contribute to God’s work in important ways. God uses us when we’re ready, as soon as we’re ready. And regardless of when that is, He has already woven us into His plan. These men finally demonstrated their love for Jesus publicly, and their actions brought about another fulfillment of prophecy. Isaiah 53:9 records, “He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone. But He was buried like a criminal; He was put in a rich man’s grave.” The wealthy Joseph of Arimathea placed Jesus’s body in “his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock.” This tomb was new and empty and closed with a large rock that sealed off the only entrance. With these elements in place, there was no way anyone could access the tomb through tunnels or other means. So there was no other exit, and anyone who walked out couldn’t be anyone but the body laid to rest inside. Despite their delayed outward support of Jesus, these two men had already been woven into God’s design, contributing to ensure even these smallest details were upheld.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Can you think of any ways God has used you in life and in your walk with Him?

Are there ways that You hope He uses you?

How does Jesus’s death and resurrection bring death to your fears and life to your faith?