“And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, who at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulcher, in which was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulcher was near at hand.” John 19: 38 – 42. Are you one of those persons who appear to be happy and seem to have life all figured out, and yet inside you feel uneasy and empty, longing for something to fill that void? Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, two persons who rose to the position of members of the Jewish Council – the Sanhedrin. They were versed in the Jewish faith. Yet they found that something was missing from their lives. They felt that their encounter with Jesus was satisfying  that yearning. They secretly believe in Jesus, not wanting to offend the members of the Sanhedrin. But on that Friday that Jesus died on the cross, they came out boldly and openly to do what they could for the One that they perhaps considered their Savior . Joseph asked for Jesus’ body, Nicodemus brought spices and together they prepared Jesus' body and laid him in a tomb. Is a relationship with Jesus truly fulfilling your spiritual needs?  Are you willing to openly testify to your relationship with Jesus? Prayer: Merciful Father, your Son was lifted up on the cross to draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who have been born out of His wounded side may at all times find mercy in Him.  Amen.