Theory question 106
Trial and Death of Jesus(a) Describe the roles of Joseph of Arimathea and the women in the burial of Jesus.
(b) In what three ways was Joseph's action significant?
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(a) Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, a respected member of the council and a disciple of Jesus, looking for the kingdom of God (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43).
He had not agreed with the council's decision (Luke 23:51).
He went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body; Pilate granted it after confirming Jesus was dead (Mark 15:43-45).
He bought a linen shroud, took the body down, wrapped it in clean linen (Mark 15:46; Matthew 27:59).
Nicodemus brought about a hundred pounds of myrrh and aloes (John 19:39-40).
He laid it in his own new tomb hewn in the rock and rolled a great stone to the door (Matthew 27:60).
The women: Mary Magdalene and the other Mary sat opposite the tomb and saw where and how He was laid (Matthew 27:61; Luke 23:55).
They went home and prepared spices and ointments, rested on the sabbath, and came at dawn on the first day to anoint Him (Luke 23:56–24:1).
(b) Any three: it showed courage in identifying with Jesus; it fulfilled the prophecy that He would be with a rich man in His death (Isaiah 53:9); it made His death and burial certain; it kept the body from a criminal's grave; it shows Christians should honour the dead; it provided a known tomb that was found empty.
Describe Joseph's and the women's roles, then three points.