Mark 15:42-47 42And when evening had already come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, being courageous, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
The next scene continues the theme of faithfulness, awe, and witness as seen at Golgotha as Jesus died. Something needed to be done with Jesus’ body because the Sabbath was coming. A typical Roman practice was to leave bodies on a cross for some time, even allowing them to decay, so the shame and warning increased. It was not unusual for birds, flies, or other vermin to pick at the dead flesh. Jesus had died around 3 pm, and the Sabbath began at sunset, around 6-7 pm, so there were only a few hours of daylight. Sabbath regulations would not permit the Jews from burying a body on the Sabbath, so something needed to be done right away. Deuteronomy 21:23 prophetically directed Israel to bury the same day someone who died on a tree.
Joseph from Arimathea understood the situation. Arimathea was a small village northwest of Jerusalem. Joseph had probably been summoned to come to Jesus’ trial or may have been in Jerusalem for the Passover. Mark records several significant characteristics about Joseph. First, he was highly respected and honored by other Jews, probably a leader in the Sanhedrin, which would have allowed him to approach Pilate. Few Jews probably had this level of access to the Roman governor. Matthew 27:57 notes that he was wealthy. Second, Joseph was looking for the kingdom of God. Mark does not say what Joseph believed about Jesus but implies that he was a seeker. He was open to the leading of God. John 19:38 indicates more clearly that he was a disciple of Jesus.
Third, Mark notes that Joseph was courageous (tolmēsas), a word that means boldness in the face of danger. It was risky for him to go to Pilate. Pilate continues to be the authority figure behind all the events of Jesus’ crucifixion. Joseph wanted to honor Jesus and give him a proper burial. Not everyone part of the Sanhedrin or in positions of power and authority opposed Jesus. People like Joseph likely felt tremendous social pressure, which highlights his courage. Going to Pilate was an act that represented Joseph’s growing faith and hope. He would have been a primary witness to the power of resurrection since he was involved in the burial of Jesus’ body. God blessed his efforts by allowing his name to be recorded in Scripture. Though he may not have understood all that Jesus said, he had courage and care toward Jesus by burying him in his own tomb.
Mark recorded three responses of faith in this chapter: the women who were brave enough to look on at Jesus’ crucifixion, the Roman soldier who make a simple profession of faith, and Joseph who had courage to approach Pilate, the representative of Rome in that whole region. The simple and implied message is that people from all walks of life can put their faith and hope in Jesus. Everyone is welcome in the journey of discipleship.
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