JESUS’ BURIAL
(Mt 27:57-61; Mk 15:42-47; Lk 23:50-56; Jn 19:38-42)
The burial of Jesus is a significant event detailed in all four Gospels: Matthew 27:57-61, Mark 15:42-47, Luke 23:50-56, and John 19:38-42. These accounts offer deep insight into the customs, laws, and societal norms of the time, highlighting the stark contrasts between Roman and Jewish burial practices.
Roman and Jewish Burial Practices
In Roman practice, crucified criminals were typically not buried. Their bodies were often left exposed, becoming food for scavenging animals and birds. This was in stark contrast to Jewish customs, which required the burial of the deceased on the same day, especially those who had been executed. Deuteronomy 21:22-23 states, “And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree: His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day.”
The Request for Jesus’ Body
Given these differing practices, Jesus’ supporters needed special permission from Pilate to bury His body. With the disciples hiding and unable to organize a fitting burial, two secret admirers of Jesus stepped forward: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.
Contributions of Joseph and Nicodemus
Joseph of Arimathea was a respected member of the Sanhedrin, described in Mark 15:43 as “a respected member of the Council who was himself waiting for the Kingdom of God.” He bravely approached Pilate to request Jesus’ body. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and also a member of the Sanhedrin, had previously visited Jesus at night (Jn 3:1-21) and later defended Him in the Sanhedrin (Jn 7:50-51). He brought a substantial amount of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds (Jn 19:39), to assist with the burial.
The Burial Process
Joseph and Nicodemus took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, following Jewish burial customs. They hurriedly completed the burial before the Passover Sabbath began at 6:00 pm. Due to the time constraints, they could not fully anoint Jesus’ body, a task that the women disciples planned to complete after the Sabbath (Lk 23:56).
The Significance of the Tomb
Joseph of Arimathea donated his unused tomb for Jesus’ burial. This act was crucial for the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. An empty tomb with no prior usage eliminated doubts about any remains being mistaken for Jesus’, thus supporting the resurrection’s authenticity.
REFLECTION
The burial of Jesus is not merely a historical detail but carries profound spiritual and practical lessons for Christians today.
1. Courage in Faith: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus showed immense bravery and faith. Despite their positions and the potential risks to their reputations, they stepped forward to honor Jesus. Their actions remind us to boldly live out our faith, even when it is inconvenient or risky.
2. Acts of Service: Often, we may hesitate to help others while they are alive, only to regret it later. Joseph and Nicodemus’ prompt contributions exemplify the importance of timely service and support. We are called to serve others selflessly, reflecting Christ’s love in our actions.
3. Providence and Preparation: God’s providence is evident in the availability of the unused tomb and the timely contributions of the spices. This teaches us to trust in God’s provision and timing, even when circumstances seem dire.
4. Witness to the Resurrection: The careful burial in a new tomb underscores the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. As Christians, we are called to be witnesses to this truth, living in the hope and power of the resurrection.
In reflecting on Jesus’ burial, let us be inspired to act with courage, serve with love, trust in God’s provision, and bear witness to the resurrection in our daily lives.