In this text, we see that the power of the cross of Christ at work again. It moves a secret disciple who has feared man but now has been moved to a shockingly faithful action.
A Sabbath Observance vs. 42a
Friday evening at 6pm would traditionally begin the Sabbath. It would be against the Law to leave a dead body on a tree overnight for it would defile the land according to Deut. 21:22-23. Who will come forward and lovingly take the body of the King of the world off the cross?
A Shocking Disciple vs. 42b
Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and a member of the Sanhedrin, was a secret disciple who did not agree with the decision to convict and kill Jesus.
Matt. 27:57; Luke 23:50-51; Jn. 19:38
This disciple who had been looking for the kingdom of God (the rule and reign of the LORD) has now moved from an inward fear of man to an outward acting faith in Christ.
A Staggering Request vs. 43
Joseph’s faith is seen in his quick action as he courageously goes to Pilate and asks for Jesus body. This took courage because Roman law made it clear that the penalty for capital crimes included the loss of all honor in death—even burial. What will Pilate do with this request?
A Strangely Quick Death vs. 44
Pilate is shocked that Jesus has died so quickly and calls for confirmation from the centurion who was at the foot of the cross. It is important to know that Jesus’ death was quick so that, yet again, the Scripture would be fulfilled! Jn. 19:36; Ps. 34;20
A Surprising Release vs. 45
In a surprising twist, Jesus’, the King of Jews, body is released by the Roman Governor to a Jew for a decent burial! Wow!
A Scriptural Burial vs. 46
Jewish burial would have involved washing the body before wrapping it tightly with linen. John’s Gospel confirms that Jesus was buried according to Jewish tradition John 19:40. A tomb cut out of rock would have been very expensive. Jesus died as a convicted criminal but was buried like a rich man. This matters because it was a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9. Once again, there is a story of Scripture unfolding here that is bigger than anyone really realized—down to the detail and the timing of everything!
A Seen Place vs. 47
The Father took intentional care to provide yet again faithful witnesses to the burial location of the Lord Jesus! These women would not be confused as to which tomb the LORD Jesus was laid in! They have seen Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected.
Application: The Power of Cross that can lead you from fear to faith.
Here Joseph served the Suffering Servant, and in doing so he embodied Jesus’ teaching: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” Mark 9:35. Oh, the power of the cross. Do you know its power? Have you experienced its power? God, through Christ crucified, can do the impossible, He can turn fear into faith, self-preservation into selfless, courageous service!