Small Group Lesson Plan for November 4th: John 19:31-42
Jake Gilbert — November 3, 2026
Scripture: John 19:31-42
Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. 36 For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.
Summary and Reflection:
It is sobering to think that the religious leaders were so concerned about the bodies remaining on the crosses during the Sabbath, yet they seemed completely unmoved by the injustice of crucifying an innocent man. Their concern was that the bodies be removed before the Sabbath began, especially since this was a high Sabbath. They were focused on ceremonial cleanliness while overlooking the very One who came to make them spiritually clean.
Do they not realize that they had just condemned the spotless Lamb of God? Jesus was the only man without sin, the One who came to save the world, and yet He was treated as a criminal. While His suffering and death were necessary to fulfill God's perfect plan of redemption, it is still heartbreaking to consider the cruelty and injustice He endured on our behalf.
There is also great significance in the soldiers breaking the legs of the two criminals but not breaking Jesus' legs. Crucifixion victims would push against their feet to lift their bodies and make breathing possible. Breaking their legs prevented them from doing so and hastened death by accelerating suffocation. When the soldiers approached Jesus, they discovered He was already dead. Instead, one of them pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water immediately came out.
Both events fulfilled Scripture. Psalm 34:20 foretold that none of His bones would be broken, and Zechariah 12:10 foretold that they would look upon the One they had pierced. Even in His death, Jesus was fulfilling God's Word. Nothing was happening outside the Father's sovereign plan.
Another powerful part of this passage is the involvement of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. Joseph, who had previously been a secret disciple because of his fear of the Jewish leaders, boldly approached Pilate and requested Jesus' body. Nicodemus, who had originally come to Jesus at night, also came forward, bringing an extraordinary amount of myrrh and aloes to prepare Jesus' body for burial.
These two men were influential and wealthy, and they likely had servants who could have handled such a task. Yet they personally took part in caring for Jesus' body. Their actions demonstrated respect, devotion, and a willingness to identify themselves with Him.
There is another important detail here. Isaiah 53:9 prophesied that the suffering Servant would be assigned a grave with the wicked but would be with a rich man in His death. Jesus' burial in the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea fulfilled this prophecy.
What stands out to me is that Joseph and Nicodemus moved from secret discipleship to public expressions of devotion. When others had abandoned Jesus, these men stepped forward. Their actions remind us that genuine faith eventually requires a willingness to stand with Christ, even when doing so comes at a personal cost.
One final thought: The disciples and those who loved Jesus were experiencing what appeared to be the end. They had witnessed His death, and now His body was being placed in a tomb. But what looked like defeat was actually part of God's plan for victory. Sunday was coming!
That is an important reminder for us: We may not always understand what God is doing in the middle of our darkest moments, but we can trust that He is still working.
Discussion Questions
1. The Cost of Discipleship: Moving From Secret Faith to Bold Faith
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus risked their reputations, positions, and possibly their safety to honor Jesus. They moved from being secret followers to publicly identifying themselves with Him.
Is there an area of your life where you have been keeping your faith quiet or playing it safe?
What would it look like to step out boldly for Christ this week?
Practical workplace application: Give one example of how we can demonstrate our faith on the job without being judgmental or forcing our beliefs on others.
For example, when coworkers are gossiping, we can choose not to participate. When someone is being treated unfairly, we can speak up. When we make a mistake, we can take responsibility rather than shift the blame. These everyday decisions can demonstrate Christ's character and open doors for others to see Him through us.
2. Unwavering Trust: Faith During the Silent Seasons
Imagine being Joseph or Nicodemus as they wrapped the body of Jesus and prepared Him for burial. They had placed their hope in Jesus, but now He was dead. They did not yet understand what was about to happen on Sunday.
Have you ever experienced a "Saturday" in your faith—a season when God seemed silent, your prayers seemed unanswered, or the plans you had hoped for appeared to be dead?
Have you ever experienced a season like this?
Are you going through a "Saturday" right now?
How do you remain faithful and continue trusting God when you cannot see what He is doing?
Remember, God's silence does not mean His absence. We may not see the whole picture, but we can trust the One who does.
3. Opening Up: Your Personal Testimony
Let's take some time to get to know one another better.
Share a little about your personal testimony. How did you come to know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?
How many years have you been walking with the Lord?
What has God taught you or brought you through during your journey of faith?
Our testimonies are powerful reminders of God's grace. We all have different stories, but we share the same Savior.
Thank you for taking the time to study God's Word together. I welcome your thoughts, questions, and additional insights as we continue to grow in our understanding of Scripture.
Jake Gilbert
Small Group Bible Study | T49B
949-933-8869