The Tomb- Mark 15:42-27
42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. 46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Summary
Jesus died on the evening before the Sabbath. According to Jewish law, a dead body must be buried within 24 hours of death, and since it was the day of Preparation (or the day before the Sabbath), Jesus’ body needed to be buried before sundown. Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, asked Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph bought a linen shroud, took Jesus’ body off the cross, wrapped him in the linen, covered him with burial spices, and buried him in his family tomb that was cut into a rock. A stone was rolled over the tomb's entrance as Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, looked on.
The most somber moment in history took place that day. To Jesus’ disciples and followers, it was tragic. To the Pharisees and the Sadducees, there must have been a feeling of victory. But neither sentiment would last long.
HEAR about it:
What did you HEAR from God’s word today? Use the HEAR method (Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond), to examine today’s passage. If you need to know more about the HEAR method, click here.
Talk about it:
• What would your feelings or emotions be if you watched your best friend die?
• How do you account for the fact that Joseph of Arimathea – a member of the Sanhedrin who plotted Jesus’ death – asked for His body? Why did he risk his status to give Jesus a proper burial?
• Why do you think Pilate allowed Joseph of Arimathea to have the body?
• Why can this account be credited as joyful instead of sad?