Mark 15:42-47
42 When evening had already come, since it was the preparation day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself also waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
44 Now Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time, and summoning the centurion, he questioned him as to whether He was already dead.
45 And after learning this from the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph.
46 Joseph bought a linen cloth, took Him down, wrapped Him in the linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb which had been cut out in the rock; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses were watching to see where He was laid.
Jesus’ Burial
Jesus’ death
Jesus was crucified on Friday at 9 am (which is the day of preparation for the Sabbath), and He breathed His last at 3 pm. Three hours later, it would be sundown, marking the beginning of the Sabbath. Even on a regular Sabbath, leaving a body unattended was inconceivable for the Jews. Moreover, that year (30 AD) the Sabbath coincided with the feast and was called the “Great Sabbath.” It was imperative to take down the bodies from the crosses before sunset. Pilate was surprised by how quickly Jesus died, indicating that Jesus willingly gave up His life. The centurion confirmed Jesus’ death and reported it to Pilate. Jesus’ death was verified by the Roman soldiers, who are experts in crucifixion. There is no doubt that Jesus died.
Courage of the two secret believers
Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, went to Pilate and requested the body of Jesus. (According to John 19:39, Nicodemus was with him helping in the burial of Jesus). (1) Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy Jew from Arimathea, had secretly become a disciple of Jesus (Matt. 27:57, Mark 15:43). (2) He did not agree with the plans and actions of the other council members and boldly went to Pilate to request Jesus’ body. He then took the body down from the cross, wrapped it in linen, and placed it in his own tomb. (3) Both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were so far secret disciples. However, at this point, they openly declared their faith. They chose to love the Lord rather than protect themselves. For them, it was a “moment of decision.” Regardless of who you are, there will be a “moment of decision” just like this. With the burial, the “time of humiliation” for Jesus came to an end. At the same time, the burial marked the beginning of Jesus’ glorification. The courageous actions of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus prepared the way for the glorification of the Lord. It’s only fitting that their names have been preserved in history. What are you striving to leave for future generations? Let us learn from the faith of these two individuals.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, Joseph of Arimathea faced his “moment of decision” and confessed his faith. Please help me to overcome the daily decisions with the love for the Lord. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.