The Burial of Jesus

Right in the middle of the highway at Midlothian, Virginia, there is a singular monument to an old-time country doctor. He had done such service to the community that the people wanted to erect a memorial to him in the village while he was yet alive, but the doctor was too modest … More

Burial

Since the Jews were anxious to speed up the death process, the Roman soldiers were sent to break the legs of the crucified (vv. 31-32). A crucified person could live for many hours, sometimes even days, so long as they kept the use of their legs, which they could use to lift their chest allowing them to breathe. If the legs were broken, the chest cavity would bear the pressure of the body’s weight, and the victim would stop breathing. When the soldiers came to Jesus, they found that He was already dead. His legs remained unbroken (v. 33), fulfilling prophecy (Psalm 43:20). The Soldiers pierced His side instead (v.34), also a fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 12:10). Even these wicked soldiers were completing God’s plan (vv. 35-37). 

The Romans usually left the dead bodies hanging for the animals to eat. The Jews, however, preferred to remove the exposed bodies. Two high ranking men arrived to prepare Jesus’ body for burial, Joseph of Arimathea (a town about 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem) and Nicodemus. They were both secret disciples of Jesus who were also both wealthy members of the Sanhedrin. (vv. 38-39). Since Sabbath began at sundown, it was necessary for the burial to take place quickly. Joseph and Nicodemus must have carefully planned their activities during the crucifixion. It would have been difficult to secure a tomb at the last minute, and they would not have been able to purchase 100 pounds of costly spices. Joseph got permission from Pilate to bury Jesus’ body. Jewish burial customs included washing the body and covering it with cloth and oils or spices (v. 40). As soon as they had Jesus’ body in hand, they started preparing it for burial. They placed it in a new tomb near the place of the crucifixion (vv. 41-42). Matthew records that this was Joseph’s own tomb that he had cut out of the rock (Matt. 27:60). This fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah, though despised and rejected by men, would be with the rich in His death (Isaiah 53:9).

Application

Joseph and Nicodemus acted out of love for Jesus. It was dangerous, costly, and without any personal gain. My service for God should be equally courageous and sacrificial. 

John 19:31-42 (English Standard Version)


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