In considering The Accomplishment of the Servant (Mar 15:16-16:8), we have focused on His Crucifixion (15:16-47). The narrative moves from Gabbatha to Golgotha to the Grave. The Lord’s burial confirms His death and sets the scene for His resurrection (1Co 15:3-5).
Joseph’s Courage (15:42-43)
Joseph of Arimathaea was a rich and respected member of the Sanhedrin who never consented to their condemnation of the Lord (Mat 27:57; Luk 23:50-51). He was a secret disciple (Joh 19:38).
On the evening of the crucifixion, “because it was the preparation, the day before the sabbath,” Joseph “came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus” (Mar 15:42-43).1 Roman law made no requirement for crucifixion victims to be buried, but Scripture demanded it (Deu 21:22-23). Aware of this, and unwilling to allow the Lord’s body to be profaned by being thrown into a common grave with criminals, Joseph requested the body from Pilate.
Mark emphasises Joseph’s courage. Requesting from Pilate the body of a man accused of treason could invite suspicion. Honouring the Lord, even in death, was to go against the Sanhedrin who had condemned Him (14:64). Handling a dead body would ceremonially defile Joseph for seven days and demand his isolation throughout Passover week (Num 19:11-13). But Joseph’s action ensured the fulfilment of prophecy: “They intended to bury him with criminals, but he ended up in a rich man’s tomb, because he had committed no violent deeds, nor had he spoken deceitfully” (Isa 53:9 NET). And so Joseph, once a secret disciple, was secret no longer! He stepped up when needed.
Pilate’s Concern (15:44-45)
The Roman Governor was surprised to hear Jesus was already dead. Crucifixion victims often held out for days so Pilate wanted corroboration of death before releasing His body. His skepticism has granted us added verification. The centurion in charge of His execution was called and, as an expert witness, confirmed Jesus’ death.
So Pilate “gave the body to Joseph” (v45). Authority to bury the Lord’s body was freely granted. This agreement to hand over the body of one condemned for treason to a non-family member was highly irregular. “Only if Pilate had no reservations concerning Jesus’ innocence … but had pronounced sentence begrudgingly to placate the irate mob, would he have granted the request of the councillor” (William Lane).
Jesus’ Committal (15:46-47)
Joseph, possibly with the help of servants and certainly with Nicodemus’ assistance (Joh 19:39-42), honoured the Lord in burial (v46). It is notable that Joseph requested a “body” (v43), and Pilate delivered a “corpse” (the literal rendering for “body” in v45). But Joseph, with great care and deep reverence, “took him down, and wrapped him in linen, and laid him in a sepulchre” (emphasis added). Joseph valued the One he buried.
Gently they took him down;
Unfixed His hands and feet;
Took from His head the thorny crown;
Brought forth a winding sheet.
Fine linen, fitly made,
Wrapped they around His face;
Where never man before was laid
Made they His resting-place.
Spices most sweet they chose;
Aloes they brought, and myrrh;
Wound Him with these in linen clothes,
Gave Him a sepulchre.
Laid Him in hewn rock;
Rolled to the door the stone;
Watched the world add its waxen lock,
And left Him there alone.2
As with Golgotha (vv40-41), Mark’s record of the Grave concludes with faithful and devoted women. “And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid” (v47).
His Resurrection (16:1-8)
The first visitors to the tomb were women. Having remained to the last at His crucifixion, they were the first to hear of His resurrection.
Faithful Women (vv1-4)
The devotion of “Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome” is seen first in the priority they give to this visit. They came to the sepulchre “when the Sabbath was past … very early in the morning the first day of the week … at the rising of the sun” (vv1-2). Desiring to honour the One they loved, they took the earliest opportunity to do so.
In preparation they had bought and prepared “sweet spices” on Friday evening (Luk 23:56), their purpose being to “anoint him.” If His death was final, they would still choose to honour Him. Mary of Bethany had taken an earlier opportunity (Mar 14:3-9).
As they walked, a problem was discussed: “Who shall roll us away the stone?” (v3). No men were with them and the stone was “very great.” Determined to honour their Lord, this did not deter them from going to the tomb. Arriving, they saw that their problem was removed for “the stone was rolled away.”
Favoured Women (vv5-7)
These women were favoured by what they saw. Upon arrival they entered the vestibule of the tomb and were alarmed to see “a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment” (v5). His clothing, communication, and a comparison with other Gospels reveal him to be an angel. He spoke, “Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him” (v6). The previous occupant of the tomb was identified and His resurrection announced. The women were invited to “behold the place where they laid him” to confirm His body was absent.
They were commissioned, “Go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you” (v7). Having seen an angel and an empty tomb, the final corroboration of the Lord’s resurrection would be to see Him! Peter received special mention. He who denied the Lord, and was last seen weeping, was to be personally assured of the Lord’s desire to see him.
Frightened Women (v8)
Having received their commission, “they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed.” Heaven had drawn near in the cold tomb; God had spoken. But what emotions now overwhelmed them? Could this really be true? Matthew tells us that they departed “with fear and great joy” and, stopping to speak to no one on the way, they eventually “did run to bring his disciples word” (Mat 28:8).
1 Bible quotations in this article are from the KJV unless otherwise noted.
2 I.Y. Ewan, Last Touches.
