Matthew 27:57-61, Jesus is Buried

57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.

Comments

Arimathea was a village in the hill country of Ephraim 20 miles northwest of Jerusalem. That Joseph had wealth explained why he had an unused tomb available. From the four gospels we deduce Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin (Mark) who had opposed the plot to kill Jesus (Luke) and was a secret disciple (John). Matthew records Joseph’s reverence for Jesus’ body, including the placement of a large stone to prevent animals or grave robbers from entering. For the second time he mentioned the two Marys as witnesses.

Prayer

O Jesus, most compassionate Lord, we adore thee dead and enclosed in the holy sepulcher. We desire to enclose thee within our hearts, that, united to thee, we may rise to newness of life, and by the gift of final perseverance die in thy grace.

Treasury of Devotion, 1869