The Burial of Jesus
Matthew 27:57-60
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:…


I. THIS SEPULCHRE.

1. Its situation — in a garden. Preaching of a new life arising from decay and death. In all human gardens of domestic and social joy, there is death.

2. It was a new tomb. The true consecration of the great world — sepulchre.

3. It was a rich man's tomb. Jesus has been in many rich men's homes and hearts since. Yet the aim of "many rich" seems to be, to bury Jesus — fashion, form, etc.

4. Hewn out of a rock. The strength of the tomb collateral proof of genuineness of resurrection.

II. THE MOURNERS.

1. Their characters suggestive.

2. Their number very small — a mere handful. More rejoicers than mourners. Very few of the disciples, but He is present at the death of every disciple.

3. Their grief intense. The Magdalene had lost her Saviour; the Virgin her Son; the rest a dear Friend.

III. THE INTERMENT.

1. Hurried.

2. Costly. More was spent upon Jesus at His burial than at any time before.

3. Vigilance of His enemies; they cannot leave even His sepulchre alone. The seal and the guard. Their unintended testimony to the reality of the resurrection.Learn:

1. Christ entered the grave to rob it of its gloom.

2. Rejoice in a living Saviour — not hide Him out of sight.

(J. C. Gray.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:

WEB: When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea, named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus' disciple came.




Joseph's Opportunity
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