When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. – Matthew 27:57-58
Bible Verses About The Burial Of Jesus
The Importance of Jesus’ Burial
As we explore the significance of Jesus’ burial, we recognize it as an essential part of the redemptive story of our faith. The burial of Jesus represents the finality of His death, serving as a pivotal moment in human history. Through this act, we see the depth of God’s love for us and the real sacrifice made for our sins. The burial highlights the truth that our Savior truly died for us. We often reflect on how His burial fulfills Old Testament prophecies, solidifying the promise of our salvation. When we consider this, our hearts are filled with gratitude and awe at the magnitude of what Christ did for us.
Matthew 27:57
When evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. – Matthew 27:57
Mark 15:40
There were also women looking from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the Less, and of Joses, and Salome. – Mark 15:40
Luke 23:50
Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. – Luke 23:50
John 19:40
Then they took the body of Jesus and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. – John 19:40
1 Corinthians 15:4
And that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures. – 1 Corinthians 15:4
The Role of Joseph of Arimathea
Joseph of Arimathea plays a crucial role in the burial of Jesus, stepping forward at a time when others hesitated. As disciples of Christ, we can draw inspiration from Joseph’s boldness and commitment. By asking for Jesus’ body and ensuring a proper burial, he demonstrated immense courage and faith. He risked his standing in society for the sake of doing what was right. This act serves to remind us that standing for our beliefs can be challenging, but God calls us to be faithful even in difficult situations. Through Joseph’s example, we learn that silence in the face of injustice is a choice, and we are called to be like Joseph—ready to put our faith into action.
Matthew 27:58
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. – Matthew 27:58
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. – Mark 15:43
Luke 23:52
This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. – Luke 23:52
John 19:38
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. – John 19:38
John 19:39
And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. – John 19:39
The tomb where Jesus was laid carries deep symbolic meaning for our spiritual journey. In His burial, we are reminded of the physical reality of death. However, this tomb is also a place of hope and resurrection. As Christians, we can take comfort knowing that what was meant to signify the end was transformed into a new beginning. The tomb stands as a powerful reminder that Jesus has conquered death, and, as believers, we can cling to the hope of eternal life. Let us reflect on how the burial provides a backdrop for the miracle of the resurrection, filling our hearts with peace during moments of despair. Through the empty tomb, we find assurance that our hope is not always buried with our pain; sometimes, it arises anew.
Luke 23:53
Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. – Luke 23:53
John 19:41
Now in the place where He was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden, a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. – John 19:41
Matthew 27:60
And laid it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. – Matthew 27:60
Mark 15:46
Then he bought fine linen, took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen; and he laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. – Mark 15:46
Matthew 28:2
And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. – Matthew 28:2
The Impact on His Disciples
The burial of Jesus profoundly impacted His disciples, plunging them into sorrow and confusion. We understand that they witnessed their leader’s death firsthand, and the weight of it must have felt unbearable. As fellow believers, we can empathize with them in their disbelief. Yet, in our collective journey of faith, we realize that this moment served to strengthen their resolve. Jesus had promised them that He would rise again, but what could they do in the silence of His burial? This dark time for them ultimately laid the foundation for revival. We can learn from their experience, knowing that moments of despair can lead to renewed faith and understanding. Like our dear disciples, we are called to cling to the hope of resurrection even during our own difficult times.
Luke 23:49
But all His acquaintances, and the women who followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. – Luke 23:49
Mark 14:50
Then they all forsook Him and fled. – Mark 14:50
John 20:9
For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. – John 20:9
Matthew 27:61
And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. – Matthew 27:61
Mark 16:10
She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. – Mark 16:10
The Prophecy of the Burial
In the grand narrative of Scripture, we discover the prophecies surrounding the burial of Jesus. We find that these ancient texts foretold the coming Messiah, revealing His suffering and sacrificial death. As we embrace the promises spoken long before, we find ourselves more connected to our faith. The prophecies establish a strong foundation for believing that Jesus is indeed the one who completed the plan of salvation. In seeing these prophecies fulfilled, we are inspired to share our faith with others, declaring His word and the truth that Jesus came to save us. Understanding that His burial was part of a divine plan encourages us to hold onto hope—knowing that every element of our faith has been provided and orchestrated by God for our good.
Isaiah 53:9
And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. – Isaiah 53:9
Zechariah 12:10
And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. – Zechariah 12:10
Psalms 16:10
For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. – Psalms 16:10
Psalms 22:16
For dogs have surrounded Me; the congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet. – Psalms 22:16
Matthew 27:9
Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced.” – Matthew 27:9
The Resurrection Following the Burial
The resurrection follows the burial and serves as the cornerstone of our faith. It is the triumph over death and sin, providing us with the promise of eternal life. With Jesus’ resurrection, we are no longer bound by the weight of our sins. The reality that the tomb is empty brings hope into our lives. As we walk in faith, we should celebrate and remember that burial was followed by victory. The power of resurrection ignites our spirits, encouraging us to live boldly and share our hope with others. Just like resurrection came after the darkness, we are reminded that joy comes in the morning. So, let us rejoice in the promises of God, knowing that every dark moment can lead to glorious new beginnings through Christ.
Matthew 28:5
But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.” – Matthew 28:5
Mark 16:6
But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” – Mark 16:6
Luke 24:6
He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee. – Luke 24:6
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. – 1 Peter 1:3
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” – John 11:25
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the burial of Jesus, we recognize its importance as a vital part of our faith. The commitment shown by Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus allows us to understand the weight of the sacrifice. We see the profound impact this event had on Jesus’ disciples as they grappled with grief and confusion. Yet we are reminded that Jesus’ burial was not the end; it was part of a divine plan leading to His glorious resurrection.
The prophecies that led to this moment encourage our faith, reminding us of God’s promises throughout history. While the tomb signifies darkness, we can rejoice in the hope of resurrection and the new life offered to us in Christ. May we carry this message forward, sharing the star of Jesus’ victory over death with everyone we encounter.
We encourage you to learn more by exploring topics like The Crucifixion and The Resurrection to deepen your understanding of the immeasurable love God has for us.