Readings for Lent and Easter

³⁸ After all this, Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple who kept his faith a secret for fear of the Jewish officials, made a request to Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph retrieved the body. ³⁹ Nicodemus, who first came to Jesus under the cloak of darkness, brought over 100 pounds of myrrh and ointments for His burial. ⁴⁰ Together, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped Him in linens soaked in essential oils and spices, according to Jewish burial customs.

⁴¹ Near the place He was crucified, there was a garden with a newly prepared tomb. ⁴² Because it was the day of preparation, they arranged to lay Jesus in this tomb so they could rest on the Sabbath.