The Passion and the Resurrection · John 19
Joseph of Arimathea and the Burial
It is evening, the day of preparation for the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a councillor, a good and just man who was waiting for the kingdom of God, was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews. Now he dares to go to Pilate and ask for the body. Pilate is amazed that Jesus is already dead, questions the centurion, then grants the body. Joseph takes it down from the cross and wraps it in linen; Nicodemus brings myrrh and aloes. In a garden, very near the place of the crucifixion, they lay Jesus in a new tomb hewn out of the rock, where no one had yet been laid. Joseph rolls a great stone to the door. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sit across from the tomb. The next day, the chief priests and the Pharisees ask Pilate to have it guarded; they make it secure with a watch, after sealing the stone.
What happens
- Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple, asks Pilate for the body John 19:38
- Pilate is amazed that Jesus is already dead Mark 15:44–45
- Joseph and Nicodemus wrap the body in linen with spices John 19:39–40
- A new tomb in a garden, close by John 19:41–42
- Joseph rolls a great stone; the women watch Matthew 27:60–61
- The chief priests have the tomb guarded and the stone sealed Matthew 27:64–66
Who is in this story
The lesson
When almost everyone has fled, a disciple who had stayed in the shadows dares to step forward and give Jesus one last honor. The sealed and guarded tomb then makes the resurrection all the more striking: Jesus’ death is real and his body was truly laid to rest.
And after this Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
Quick quiz on this story
Whom does Joseph of Arimathea ask for the body of Jesus?
Joseph, a disciple of Jesus “secretly for fear of the Jews,” “besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave.” John 19:38
Where is the new tomb in which Jesus is laid?
“In the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid.” John 19:41
Whom does Pilate question to find out whether Jesus has been dead long?
Pilate marvelled that he was already dead; calling the centurion, “he asked him whether he had been any while dead.” Mark 15:44
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