Theory question 106
Trial and Death of Jesus(a) Describe the burial of Jesus as narrated by the Synoptic Gospels. (b) State three ways in which money is overspent during funerals in the society.
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(a) When evening came, Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man, a respected council member and disciple who looked for the kingdom, went to Pilate (Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:42-43).
He had not consented to the council's decision (Luke 23:51).
He asked for Jesus' body; Pilate, after confirming Jesus was dead, granted it (Mark 15:44-45).
He bought a linen shroud, took the body down and wrapped it (Mark 15:46).
He laid it in his own new tomb hewn in the rock, where no one had been laid (Matthew 27:60; Luke 23:53).
He rolled a great stone to the door (Matthew 27:60).
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary watched where He was laid; the women prepared spices (Matthew 27:61; Luke 23:55-56).
The chief priests had the tomb sealed and guarded (Matthew 27:62-66).
(b) Any three: costly caskets and vaults; lavish feasting and drinks; uniforms (aso-ebi) and souvenirs; keeping corpses long in mortuaries; hiring bands and canopies; expensive adverts and programmes.
Narrate the Synoptic burial accounts, then three ways.