Luke 23:47-56 - Dead and buried

2:47-49

The centurion recognised that something unique, something special, had just happened. A Gentile soldier recognised the truth. The crowds had probably come with mixed motives, perhaps even to be entertained in a gruesome manner, or maybe just out of curiosity. Even for these people something touched them about the events. The thousands who got saved at Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost may have included people who had witnessed the crucifixion. Anyway, the public death of Jesus opened a door for the evangelisation of the early church in its first days.

Luke again singles out the women when he mentions the followers of Jesus. He says little about them, other than that they stood at a distance.

2:50,51

Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Sanhedrin, but must have been absent from the council when they met to decide Jesus’ fate. For we are told the vote was unanimous (Mark 14:64), and Luke tells us that Joseph did not support their decision or action. Luke stresses that Joseph was a good and upright man and was looking for the kingdom of God. As an aside, it is worth noting that throughout the Bible, and throughout the New Testament in particular, being of good repute and good behaviour is commended. We have a habit of “condemning” the church for being “too middle class” at times. Now there are problems, and all of us have attitudes that need changing, but good behaviour and character is a good thing and is applauded by the Bible. Conversely, bad behaviour and bad attitudes are consistently rebuked.

2:52-56

Joseph asked Pilate if he could take care of the body. He probably wanted to ensure that Jesus’ body was not just dumped, but at least received a proper burial. Otherwise Jesus’ body might have been given a pauper's burial. So Jesus’ body was placed in a new tomb. Tomb’s were often rock-hewn and would be used for several bodies. Preparation day was the day before Sabbath.

Some of the women followers saw where the body was laid, so they would know which tomb to go to to pay their respects. Luke stresses their observance of the Sabbath.