Burial of Jesus

Setting the Scene

Imagine with me the scene.

The cross is now silent - Jesus cried out His last words

Jesus has died and offered up His Spirit

The crowds are dispersing

The disciples are fearful and confused

Hope seems lost with the death of Christ

What appears to be the end of the story was actually preparing the way for the resurrection. The burial of Jesus is deeply important because it:

Confirms the reality of Jesus’ death

Demonstrates courageous faith

Fulfills prophecy

Prepares for victory of the resurrection

Big Idea: Even in moments that appear hopeless, God is still accomplishing His redemptive plan through faithful people and fulfilled promises.

Our Burial Passage

This passage looks at the burial of Jesus after His crucifixion. It focuses on two things, the actions of Joseph of Arimathea and the women who prepared the spices to anoint His body. So, let’s look together.

Luke 23:50–56 “And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid Him in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever lain. It was the preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. Now the women who had come with Him out of Galilee followed, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And on the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”

What emotions does this passage bring about in you when you read it?

Is there anything that stands out to you in this passage?

Who was Joseph of Arimathea (vv.50-51)?

A good and righteous man, a member of the council, waiting for the kingdom of God, who did not agree with the action of the council.

What courageous action did Joseph take (v.52)?

He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus

Where was Jesus buried/laid (v.53)?

In a new tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been laid.

Who witnessed the burial (v.55)?

The women who followed Jesus from Galilee.

Why didn’t the women anoint the body immediately (v.56)?

Because the Sabbath was beginning, and they rested according to the commandment.

Joseph’s Courageous Faith

Despite his political position on the council, Joseph’s faith in Christ led him to take a risky action. This action shows that God can use individuals from all walks of life to fulfill His purposes. We need to be willing to step out in faith to be a part of God’s plan even when it is inconvenient or seemingly risky.

Luke 23:50–52 “And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man (he had not consented to their plan and action), a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.”

Joseph’s character is emphasized

A good and righteous man

A member of the council

This is a time where godly character stands out in one of those dark moments.

He did not consent to their plan and action

Yes a member of the council, but he was waiting for the kingdom of God and was a man of faith, a man of hope.

Joseph acted courageously

He publically identified with Jesus by asking for the body of Jesus from Pilate.

It was risky, it was public, when others hid, Joseph stepped into the light.

Key Point: Faith is revealed through faithful obedience even when circumstances seem hopeless.

The burial confirms the reality of Jesus’ death

Jesus laid in a tomb in which no one had been laid before, a freshly hewed tomb. . A new tomb symbolizes purity, a fresh start, the fulfillment of prophesy. What appears to be an ending is really setting the stage for a new beginning. Just as for a new believer, the watery gravy of baptism sets the place for your new birth as a new creation in Christ as a Christian!

Joseph takes the body down; an act requiring tenderness and courage.

He wraps it in linen

Places it in a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.

This fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah 53:9

“His grave was assigned with wicked men, Yet He was with a rich man in His death, Because He had done no violence, Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.”

Key point: Even in death God ensures His Son is honored and Scripture is fulfilled.

The Faithful Witness of the Women

Women always played a vital role in the ministry of Jesus and still do. Their faithful actions here were to prepare the spices and perfumed needed to anoint Jesus’ body. Despite their grief, their devotion leads them to follow and see where their Savior is buried so they can return. Amidst sorrow and grief these women set the stage for witnessing the resurrection.

The women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid.

It was preparation day for the Sabbath , they returned to prepare spices and perfumes

They rested on the Sabbath as required under the Jewish Law. Faithfulness is seen both in action and obedience.

Key Point: True devotion remains faithful even during seasons of waiting and uncertainty.

Discussion Questions

What does Joseph of Arimathea's action in asking for Jesus' body reveal about his character?

What does the passage teach us about acting in faith during difficult times?

How did the actions of the women who prepared spices reflect their devotion to Jesus?

Application

Courageous Faith in Difficult Moments

God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes

Honor Christ Even When Hope Seems Lost

Resting in God’s Timing

(Below is to expand on the applications)

Courageous faith in difficult moments

Joseph acted when others were silent. He stood apart from the crowd. Ask yourself, Am I willing to stand for Christ even when unpopular? Courage is not loud, it is obedient!

God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes

Joseph and the women were not apostles, yet they played crucial roles in the burial and resurrection narrative. Faithfulness in small acts matters deeply to God.

Honor Christ even when hope seems lost

The burial looked like the end, but it was the setup for the greatest beginning. Our obedience in dark seasons is not wasted. God is working even when we cannot see the outcome. God’s silence does not mean God’s absence. God is still working.

Resting in God’s timing

The women wanted to serve Jesus immediately, but they honored the Sabbath. Sometimes obedience means waiting. God’s timing brings resurrection after rest. The women did not understand yet, but would soon on resurrection morning, yet they remained faithful. Faithfulness often means continuing to obey before we see the outcome.

(Conclusion) The burial of Jesus is not a quiet footnote, it is a powerful testimony of courage, of devotion, and of divine purpose. Of Joseph’s boldness and the women’s faithfulness, and God’s sovereign plan being worked out toward the dawn of the resurrection the fulfillment of the gospel. Even in the silence of the tomb, God is at work.

Take-away

Faithfulness in dark moments prepares the way for God’s greatest works.