MARK 15:42–47
THE BURIAL OF JESUS
Text – Mark 15:42–47
42 When it was already evening, since it was the day of preparation, the day before the sabbath,
43 Joseph of Arimathea, a distinguished member of the council, who was himself awaiting the kingdom of God, came and courageously went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
44 Pilate was amazed that he was already dead. He summoned the centurion and asked him if Jesus had already died.
45 And when he learned of it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.
46 Having bought a linen cloth, he took him down, wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance to the tomb.
47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses watched where he was laid.
Historical and Jewish Context
The day of preparation referred to Friday, when Jews made ready for the Sabbath, which began at sunset. According to Jewish custom, bodies were not left exposed overnight, especially before the Sabbath (Deuteronomy 21:23). Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, courageously revealed his faith by requesting Jesus’ body—an act that risked his position and reputation. Roman law typically left crucified criminals unburied as a public warning, but Joseph’s intervention ensured Jesus received an honorable burial. Pilate’s surprise at Jesus’ early death shows the severity of His scourging and suffering. The linen shroud and rock-hewn tomb fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that the suffering servant would be “with a rich man in his death” (Isaiah 53:9). The women’s presence at the burial ensured they could return after the Sabbath to complete the anointing, making them the first witnesses of the Resurrection.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The burial of Jesus is a crucial element of the Paschal Mystery, affirming the full reality of His death. His body, wrapped in a linen shroud and laid in the tomb, sanctifies the grave as a place of hope, not despair. Theologically, this moment signifies rest after the labor of redemption—Christ’s “Sabbath rest” in the tomb before His glorious resurrection. Joseph of Arimathea exemplifies courageous discipleship, stepping forward when others had fled. His reverence toward the body of Christ foreshadows the Church’s veneration of the Eucharist and of Christ’s sacred humanity. The stone rolled across the tomb marks the finality of death, soon to be overturned by the power of resurrection. The Church professes in the Creed: “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried,” affirming that Jesus truly entered the realm of death to conquer it from within.
Parallels in Scripture
Matthew 27:57–61 – Adds that Joseph was a rich man and a disciple of Jesus.
Luke 23:50–56 – Notes that Joseph had not consented to the council’s plan.
John 19:38–42 – Mentions Nicodemus assisting Joseph and bringing myrrh and aloes for burial.
Isaiah 53:9 – “They made his grave with the wicked, and his tomb with the rich.”
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 – “Christ died for our sins… he was buried, and he was raised on the third day.”
Key Terms
Joseph of Arimathea – A member of the Sanhedrin who bravely honored Jesus through His burial.
Day of Preparation – The day before the Sabbath, signifying readiness for sacred rest.
Tomb of Rock – A new tomb symbolizing purity and divine promise; soon to be the site of resurrection.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This passage is commemorated on Holy Saturday, the day the Church keeps silence before the mystery of the Resurrection. The Holy Saturday Liturgy of the Hours and Easter Vigil celebrate Christ’s descent to the dead, proclaiming that even in death He brings light to those who wait in darkness. The Church also draws from Joseph’s reverence a model for devotion to Christ’s Body in the Eucharist and in care for the suffering. The holy women who watched the burial prefigure the faithful who keep vigil in hope, awaiting the dawn of Easter.
Conclusion
The burial of Jesus reveals both the reality of His death and the seed of new life. The tomb, sealed and silent, becomes a womb of resurrection. Through the faith and courage of Joseph of Arimathea and the steadfast devotion of the women, the light of hope remains even in the shadow of death. The stone that seals the tomb will soon proclaim the triumph of life over death.
Reflection
Like Joseph and the holy women, we are called to remain faithful in moments of darkness. When hope seems buried, faith keeps vigil. The sealed tomb reminds us that God’s work continues even in silence—when all appears lost, His power is preparing the dawn of resurrection.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as Your body rested in the tomb, may our hearts rest in Your peace. Teach us to wait with faith when we do not see the light, trusting that You are working even in silence. Strengthen us to honor You with courage, like Joseph, and to persevere in love like the women who watched by Your tomb. Amen.