Matthew 27:57-61 57And when it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea came named Joseph, who himself was also a disciple of Jesus. 58This man, after going to Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given. 59And after taking the body, Joseph wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock, and he rolled a great stone to the doorway of the tomb and went away. 61Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
Matthew does not give many details about what happened after Jesus gave up his spirit. Verse 57 suggests that his body was on the cross for at least three hours after his death since the next scene takes place in the evening. The law in Deuteronomy 21:22-23 prohibited bodies to be left over night, so Jesus’ body needed to be buried. The Sabbath would also begin as sunset, so something needed to be done. The Gospel accounts record the commitment, bravery, and compassion of a disciple named Joseph. Little is known about this man except was is given in this account. He was from Arimathea, a town about 20 miles from Jerusalem, basically a good day’s walk. He was rich, which was in fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9 which states that the Messiah would have a grave with criminals (on the crosses) and a rich man (Joseph). At some point he had heard Jesus and came to believe in him. It is also not stated why he was in Jerusalem, but possible for the Passover. He must have had some connection with the area because he planned to be buried there. It is also possible that he was part of the Sanhedrin (Luke 23:50-51), but that does not mean he agreed with the Jesus’ execution.
What stands out more in this story is his character and faith. It took a lot of bravery to ask Pilate for Jesus’ body. Pilate was probably agitated by all the events that had taken place and just wanted to be done with the whole thing. Little did he know what was to come in the coming days and months. Joseph must have also had some influence, possibly because of his position and wealth, since Pilate gave him his request.
Another important element of Joseph’s character can be seen in how he cared for Jesus’ body. Joseph must have been advanced in years since he had a clean shroud ready and had just had his tomb prepared. Caring for the dead is a great privilege and honors the one who has died. Joseph showed his faith in Jesus by a final act of love by using his own resources to care for Jesus’ body. A clean linen shroud and a new tomb were not cheap. These things were meant for when he died.
Ancient tombs like what Joseph had have been discovered. Whether the traditional one designated as Joseph’s tomb given to Jesus is the actual one cannot be known, but it helps us at least have a good idea of what these were like. This tomb was carved out of solid rock, likely not large. The tomb was sealed by a large stone, which would keep people and predators out. The two Mary’s of verse 57 who watched Jesus be crucified followed Joseph and saw everything. They may have been the witnesses who retold this part of the story. This story brings out the simple act of love of a brave follower of Jesus. When the eleven apostles had fled under in the garden because of the danger and stress (although John later appears at the crucifixion), Joseph and the two Mary’s continue the journey with Jesus until his body is entombed.
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