The Death and Resurrection of the KingSample

Some followers remained faithful to Jesus

“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.” (Matthew 27:59-61)

Crucified criminals were not supposed to receive an honorable burial. But the Lord Jesus did receive one. A certain Joseph from Arimathea stepped forward at this very moment as a follower of Jesus. This was not without risk. The Gospel of Mark tells us that this Joseph was a significant member of the Sanhedrin. So he was part of the group that had condemned Jesus to death. Yet he now risked his position, perhaps even his life, by asking Pilate's permission to bury Jesus' body. Joseph used a new rock tomb he had carved for himself and his family. Jesus was given a dignified burial.

Matthew also tells us about some women who first watched the crucifixion from a distance (Matthew 27:55) and were also present at the burial. Their presence is of great importance in the story. They were eyewitnesses to Jesus' death and burial, and later to His resurrection! No one could fool them into thinking that Jesus was taken off the cross before He died, or that His body was secretly taken by His disciples. Their Master had really died, and they knew where He was buried.

Have you ever been present at a funeral? What did that do to you?