John was at a loss to know what measures he should take in regard to the body of his beloved Master. He shuddered at the thought of its being handled by rough and unfeeling soldiers, and placed in a dishonored burial place. He knew he could obtain no favors from the Jewish authorities, and he could hope little from Pilate. But Joseph and Nicodemus came to the front in this emergency. Both of these men were members of the Sanhedrim, and acquainted with Pilate. Both were men of wealth and influence. They were determined that the body of Jesus should have an honorable burial. {3SP 173.2}

Johannes var forlegen; thi han vidste ikke, hvad han skulle gøre med sin elskede Mesters legeme. Han gyste når han tænkte på, at de rå og ufølsomme soldater skulle håndtere ham og begrave ham på et vanærende sted. Han vidste, at de jødiske myndigheder ikke ville vise ham nogen gunst, og han kunne heller ikke forvente noget stort af Pilatus. Men i dette nødstilfælde kom Josef og Nikodemus frem. Begge disse mænd var medlemmer af det jødiske råd og var kendt med Pilatus, og da de begge besad både rigdom og indflydelse, besluttede de, at Jesu legeme skulle få en hæderlig begravelse.