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Matthew 27 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Although we are typically hard on the Pharisees in Scripture, there were a few who sincerely had a heart change through Jesus’ ministry. Joseph of Arimathea was one of these men. Mark and Luke identify him as a member of the Sanhedrin. They make a specific note that he did not consent to the killing of Jesus.
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.
Mark 15:43 NASB
And a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man 51 (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; 52 this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:50-52 NASB
Being a highly esteemed member of the Council, he would not have missed the Jewish Passover meal beginning at 4pm. It is generally agreed upon that Jesus died around 3pm, so Joseph would not have had much time to request the body from Pilate and make the burial arrangements.
People often forget how crucial this was to the resurrection story. The bodies of those crucified would have either been burned or buried in a designated place for criminals. Joseph wanted to give Jesus a proper Jewish burial which included linens and spices. We learn from John’s account (John 19:39) that Nicodemus also came forward to help with the burial, bringing 100 pounds of myrrh and aloes.
By this process, Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled.
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.
Isaiah 53:9 NASB
That perfect burial site would become the place where joy would overflow as the stone would be rolled back and Jesus, alive, would proclaim victory!