Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 19:38-42), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• This passage is about the burial of Jesus’ dead body in a tomb. Why might tombs and dead bodies be difficult subjects to think or talk about? Why might it be uniquely difficult to think or talk about Jesus’ dead body in the tomb?

• [38-39] Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus are two examples of the least likely people to want to be seen as associated with Jesus. In what ways is it remarkable that they are the ones to bury Jesus? Why would they do it?

• [40-41] Because Jesus is buried in the garden-tomb, the burial plot will become a garden plot again, bringing forth new life in his resurrection. The same power that would transform his tomb into a garden will transform your tomb into a garden (Eph. 1:19-20). Do you believe that? Why or why not? Have you seen tombs (places of death and despair) transformed into gardens (fertile places of fruitful, new life with God) in your life? How is this different from a “prosperity gospel” that says with faith the circumstances of your life will improve?

• How might the burial (and resurrection!) of Jesus inform how you think about what is to be done with your own body after death?