Joseph’s sandals slapped the polished floors of Pilate’s palace as he hurried through the courtyard. I feel like leaping—had he spoken the thought? A quick glance around told him no one was nearby to hear it. A chuckle bubbled out. What a sight—a member of the Sanhedrim cavorting like a child? But what matter if they had seen him? His madness would only be confirmed: had he not just asked Pilate for the body of Jesus?

He could scarcely believe it himself. He swallowed hard and his clenched hands dampen again as he remembered arriving in the room. What grace was given for the task! An unusual boldness filled him as he addressed the magistrate. No matter that Pilate did not believe him; no matter that he had to wait for the soldiers to verify Jesus’ death. What was such a little time compared with how long he had been silent? But, beginning today, no longer would he be mute about his Lord or fearful of the outcome. Focus, Joseph—the evening sacrifice is already past and the sun is low in the sky. Nicodemas will already be waiting. Joseph’s plan had brought joy to Nicodemas’ face as he heard. He, who shared the anguish of a silent follower, eagerly agreed to help. Joseph headed into the evening, quickening his steps to the cross to retrieve and carry the body to his tomb.

Joseph’s tomb was cool and darkening fast. He and Nicodemas worked in silence, shocked at the condition of Christ’s body. Unused to their secret task and in their haste to finish before the Sabbath, they fumbled awkwardly with the fine linen. Though others may argue with my extravagance and say that old cloth was acceptable, Joseph thought, but what a small amount to pay when He sacrificed so much for me! Why should I not honor Jesus with the best that could be given? As well, I give Him my own unused tomb—though He should be buried with kings. Tears blurred the last view of the precious marred face and dropped on the cloth strips as they wound them. Years later, the faint whiff of myrrh and aloe would still bring a prickling of the eyes, and tears would come again.

The flat rock slab found its channel in the darkness. The men faced one another in the darkness, clasped arms for a long moment, then left. Together, they had publicly honored their Lord this night, beginning again as His true disciples.