------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #Gospel_narratives, #crucifixion, #resurrection, #Jesus_burial # The Burial of [[Jesus]]: A Look at the Biblical Account The [[Burial]] of [[Jesus]] is a significant event in the [[Gospel narratives]], connecting His [[crucifixion]] to His [[Resurrection]]. This phase of His passion serves as a key piece of the larger [[redemptive story]]. Let's explore how the Scriptures and historical context give us insight into this pivotal moment. > “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” ([1 Corinthians 15:3–4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15.3-4&version=AMP)) Understanding [[Jesus]]' burial helps us face the complex nature of life and death with hope rooted in the promises of the [[Gospel]]. ## Biblical References to Jesus' Burial ([1 Corinthians 15:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15.4&version=AMP)) All four Gospels—[Matthew 27:57–61](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27.57-61&version=AMP), [Mark 15:42–47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.42-47&version=AMP), [Luke 23:50–56](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.50-56&version=AMP), and [John 19:38–42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.38-42&version=AMP)—affirm the [[Burial]] of [[Jesus Christ]] by [[Joseph of Arimathea]], a respected member of the [[Sanhedrin]]. In addition to the Gospels, the **[[Apostle Paul]]** references [[Jesus]]' burial as part of a foundational early [[Christian]] creed in [1 Corinthians 15:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15.4&version=AMP), simply stating, **"He was buried."** This brief mention underscores how central the burial is to the [[Christian faith]]. The Gospel accounts collectively describe a picture of care, urgency, and devotion during the burial process, a significant contrast to the brutality of the [[crucifixion]]. ### [[Joseph of Arimathea]]'s Role ([Mark 15:43](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.43&version=AMP)) Each [[Gospel]] gives [[Joseph]] a prominent role in the burial. He is described as a secret follower of [[Jesus]] ([John 19:38](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.38&version=AMP)) who, upon [[Jesus]]' death, boldly requests His body from [[Pilate]]. In doing so, Joseph places himself at considerable personal risk. [Matthew 27:60](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27.60&version=AMP) even emphasizes that the tomb [[Jesus]] was laid in belonged to Joseph himself, indicating his deep reverence for the burial. Joseph's actions fulfilled the [[Old Testament prophecy]] about the Messiah being **“with a rich man in his death”** ([Isaiah 53:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53.9&version=AMP)). His decision to give up his own newly hewn tomb for [[Jesus Christ]] showcases his discipleship and ensures that the Lord’s body would not be further humiliated. ## Historical Context: First-Century [[Jewish Burial Practices]] ([Mark 15:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.46&version=AMP)) The details given in the Gospels about the burial practices are in line with **first-century [[Jewish customs]]**. The tomb, described as a **new tomb** with a **rolling stone** ([Mark 15:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.46&version=AMP)), aligns with the archaeological findings of bench tombs, known as **arcosolia**, common among the wealthier Jewish families of the period. These tombs had niches where bodies were placed on stone benches, often with a stone to cover the entrance, preventing animals or grave robbers from disturbing the site. First-century Jewish law, rooted in **[Deuteronomy 21:22–23](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+21.22-23&version=AMP)**, also required that a body not be left hanging on a tree overnight, especially before the **[[Sabbath]]** and the **[[Passover]]**. As [John 19:31](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.31&version=AMP) explains, because [[Jesus]] died just before the [[Sabbath]] (which also coincided with the **Passover**), His body had to be buried quickly, before nightfall. ## Timing and Urgency ([John 19:31–42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.31-42&version=AMP)) The urgency of [[Jesus]]’ burial is most clearly seen in [John’s Gospel](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.31-42&version=AMP). The Jewish leaders, anxious not to defile the land with bodies remaining on crosses during the holy festival of **[[Passover]]**, requested that the legs of the crucified be broken to hasten death ([John 19:31–33](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.31-33&version=AMP)). This led to [[Jesus]] being confirmed as already dead, so His burial could proceed immediately. John describes how **Nicodemus**, another secret follower of [[Jesus]], assists [[Joseph of Arimathea]], bringing **75 pounds of myrrh and aloes** for the burial ([John 19:39](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.39&version=AMP)). They placed [[Jesus]] in a tomb close to **Golgotha**, where He was crucified, because time was short. ## Manner of Burial ([John 19:40](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.40&version=AMP)) The burial of [[Jesus]] followed typical [[Jewish customs]]. [John 19:40](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.40&version=AMP) describes how the body was wrapped in **linen cloths** and spices, following [[Jewish burial traditions]]. While John emphasizes the **binding** of the body with linens and spices, the Synoptics describe how Joseph simply wrapped [[Jesus]] in a **linen shroud** ([Mark 15:46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.46&version=AMP); [Luke 23:53](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.53&version=AMP)). ## Women Witnesses: Observing and Preparing ([Mark 15:47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.47&version=AMP)) The role of the **women witnesses** is central in the burial narratives. The **[[Gospel of Mark]]** records that **Mary Magdalene** and **Mary the mother of Joses** saw where [[Jesus]] was laid ([Mark 15:47](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.47&version=AMP)), a detail confirmed by the other Gospels ([Matthew 27:61](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27.61&version=AMP); [Luke 23:55](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.55&version=AMP)). These women not only observed the burial but also prepared to return after the [[Sabbath]] with spices to anoint the body further ([Luke 23:56](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.56&version=AMP)). The women's involvement highlights the ongoing devotion of [[Jesus]]' followers, even in death, and their presence is crucial as they become the first witnesses to His [[Resurrection]] ([Matthew 28:1–10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28.1-10&version=AMP)). --- ### Key Verses - **[1 Corinthians 15:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+15.4&version=AMP)** – A foundational creed: “He was buried.” - **[Mark 15:43–46](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+15.43-46&version=AMP)** – [[Joseph of Arimathea]]’s role in [[Jesus]]’ burial. - **[John 19:31–42](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19.31-42&version=AMP)** – The urgency and manner of [[Jesus]]' burial, assisted by Nicodemus. - **[Luke 23:55–56](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+23.55-56&version=AMP)** – The women witnesses observing the burial and preparing spices. - **[Matthew 27:60](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+27.60&version=AMP)** – [[Jesus]] is laid in [[Joseph of Arimathea]]'s new tomb. The burial of [[Jesus Christ]], while a solemn moment, serves as a necessary step toward the [[Resurrection]]. His death and burial fulfill the [[Old Testament]] prophecies, and the care taken by His followers reflects the honor and hope they placed in Him. As we reflect on these events, we are reminded of the faithfulness of [[God]] in the darkest of times and the promise that the story doesn’t end with the tomb but with the [[Resurrection]] that follows.