the end

Mark 15:42-47

"42 And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

44 And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45 And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

46 And he bought fine linen, and took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where He was laid."

The written record of of Jesus’ burial provides definitive proof of His death and fulfills Old Testament prophecy. It takes place on the day of Preparation (Friday), just before the Sabbath begins at sundown, creating urgency for a proper burial.

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected, secret member of the Jewish Council who awaited the kingdom of God, boldly asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. Surprised by the rapid death, Pilate confirms it with the centurion before granting permission. Crucified criminals were usually left unburied or thrown into common graves; Joseph’s intervention ensures an honorable burial, fulfilling Isaiah 53:9 (“with the rich in his death”).

Joseph buys fine linen, removes the body, wraps it, and places it in his own new rock-hewn tomb, rolling a stone against the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses witness the location, establishing the scene for the resurrection. The sealed, observed tomb refutes claims that Jesus did not truly die or that the disciples stole the body.

Unlike most biographies that end at the grave, this story continues. Jesus’ history is not over by a long-shot!