Mark 15:42-47 – The Burial
The agony of the Garden of Gethsemane and the suffering of the cross is over. Now, in these verses, we have the quiet of burial. It is a Friday late afternoon, and Jesus has died. The Jewish Sabbath begins at sunset, and it is against God’s law for a body to be left hanging on a tree overnight (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Joseph of Arimathea is a secret believer in Christ. Even though he is part of the Sanhedrin, the very group that has organised the betrayal and crucifixion of Jesus, he comes forward and associates himself with Christ. It is no benefit to him to honour a fallen leader, but his love for Jesus is so strong he is willing to serve Him even when dead. This shows us that there are true Christians of whom we know nothing and in places where we don’t expect to see them.
Joseph comes to Pilate and asks for the body of Jesus. Pilate is surprised that Jesus has died so quickly, but when the centurion confirms this, he has no problem handing Jesus’ body over to a wealthy and influential Jew. Joseph gives Jesus a very quick and temporary burial as he is trying to get it done before sunset. But it is also the kind of burial a royal and wealthy king would have. The women who have been watching Jesus from a distance find out where He is buried, so they can come back on Sunday morning after the Sabbath to properly embalm Him.
Questions
- Why did Jesus have to be buried so quickly?
- Why is it surprising that Joseph would ask Pilate for Jesus’ body?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that Jesus has followers everywhere.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.