Knowing The Word in Luke 23:50-56, Jesus is Buried

All the gospel writers agree that Joseph of Arimathea took the lead in the burial of Jesus. He is a dissenting voice in the Sanhedrin and possibly a follower of Jesus along with Nicodemus. That he goes directly to Pilate shows his standing in the city. It is Friday, the day of preparation for the Sabbath, and the race is on for a quick burial before the sun goes down. After the two men accomplish their mission, the women from Galilee, who saw these events and would have put spices and ointments on Jesus’ body, return to where they are staying inside, or perhaps outside, Jerusalem to wait out the Sabbath before returning to attend to Jesus’ body and complete the burial customs correctly.

Luke 23:50-56

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments.

On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Prayer

O God, Creator of heaven and earth: Grant that, as the crucified body of your dear Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy Saturday, so we may await with him the coming of the third day, and rise with him to newness of life; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Book of Common Prayer, p. 221