Tag: Matthew 27:57-61

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

The Tomb

57-61 Late in the afternoon, a wealthy man from Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, arrived. His name was Joseph. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean linens, put it in his own tomb, a new tomb only recently cut into the rock, and rolled a large stone across the entrance. Then he went off. But Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed, sitting in plain view of the tomb.

-Matthew 27:57-61 The Message

Jesus Is Buried

Verse 57: Now, when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

Verse 58: This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.

Verse 57-58 studies: Joseph is a secret follower of Jesus; he is from Arimathea. He was a religious leader, honored member of the Council (Mark 15:43). In past times, Joseph was afraid to speak up against the religious leaders who went against Jesus. He is bold now, courageous in asking to take Jesus’ body from the cross and bury it. The disciples who publicly followed Jesus fled. But this Jewish leader, Joseph, who followed Jesus in secret, came forward and did what was right.

Verse 59: And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

Verse 60: and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away.

Verse 61: And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Verse 60 study: The tomb where Jesus was laid was most likely a man-made cave. It was cut out of the many limestone hills in the area. The cave was made large enough to walk in.

Father, let us not betray you like the disciples did. If anything, let us be disciplined to be faithful to you because the world needs you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!