19:38
Jesus has died and will now be buried. Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in all four gospels. Matthew(Matt 27:57) and John refer to him as a disciple, while Mark (Mk 15:43) tells us that he was a member of the Sanhedrin(Mk 15:43). Matthew (Matt 27:57) also tells us that he was rich, which he would have to be in order to have a tomb to offer. Mark (Mk 15:43) and Luke (Lk 23:51) say that he was looking for the kingdom of God. Joseph’s being a member of the Sanhedrin was essential for him gaining access to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus, and for his request being granted. Another factor in Pilate giving permission may have been that he knew that Jesus was not actually guilty of anything.
19:39-42
Joseph was also helped by Nicodemus. Nicodemus had not forgotten his earlier meeting with Jesus. While Joseph supplied the tomb, Nicodemus supplied the spices. The primary purpose of the spices was to mask the smell of a decaying body. The body was bound in linen cloths and laid in a new tomb that was in a garden nearby. Jesus was laid there. Luke 23:55 tells us that the women saw where Jesus was buried.
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