Mark 15:42-47

One of the witnesses to the crucifixion was a man named Joseph, of Arimathaea, who was a member of the Sanhedrin. John indicates that Joseph was a secret disciple because he feared the Jews1. While he did not make a public alliance with Jesus, he did object to the Sanhedrin's treatment of Jesus2. When he saw Jesus die on the cross, Joseph threw all caution to the winds and boldly went to Pilate to get permission to lay the body of Jesus in a tomb that he had prepared for himself. Pilate was surprised that death had come so quickly3, but learning from the centurion in charge of the crucifixion that Joseph's report was correct, he granted the request.

On the way back to Golgotha, Joseph brought a supply of the fine linen that was used to prepare a body for burial. The fact that he did not also procure the necessary spices would indicate that he had already talked with Nicodemus, also a member of the Sanhedrin. It was evidently agreed that Joseph would provide the tomb and the linen bandages, and that Nicodemus would provide the spices - see John 19:39. Together they laid their Lord in a sepulcher which was cut out of a rock, and rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb4.

Thus was Jesus buried in the new tomb of the rich man Joseph, again fulfilling the Scriptures5. The tender ministry of Joseph and Nicodemus to Jesus in the hour of his death have given their names a place of honor in the New Testament. It would seem that Nicodemus had acknowledged Jesus during his lifetime6.