Introduction

The death and burial of Jesus Christ are central events in Christian theology, marking the culmination of His earthly ministry and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah. These events are recorded in all four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and are pivotal to the Christian understanding of salvation, atonement, and resurrection.

The Crucifixion

The crucifixion of Jesus took place at Golgotha, also known as "The Place of the Skull" (Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17). Jesus was crucified between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:12, which states, "He was numbered with the transgressors." The Gospel of Mark records the time of crucifixion as the third hour (Mark 15:25), which corresponds to approximately 9 a.m.

During the crucifixion, Jesus spoke several significant statements, including His prayer for forgiveness for His executioners: "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). He also assured the repentant thief of his place in paradise (Luke 23:43) and entrusted the care of His mother, Mary, to the beloved disciple, John (John 19:26-27).

The Death of Jesus

The death of Jesus is marked by supernatural events. Darkness covered the land from the sixth hour until the ninth hour (Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, Luke 23:44). At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" (Matthew 27:46). This cry reflects Psalm 22:1 and signifies the weight of sin He bore on behalf of humanity.

Jesus' final words, "It is finished" (John 19:30), signify the completion of His redemptive work. He then committed His spirit into the hands of the Father, saying, "Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46). At that moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, symbolizing the new access to God made possible through Jesus' sacrifice (Matthew 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45).

The Burial of Jesus

Following His death, Jesus' body was requested by Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council who was also a secret disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:43, Luke 23:50-51, John 19:38). Joseph, with the assistance of Nicodemus, took Jesus' body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth with spices, as was the Jewish burial custom (John 19:39-40).

Jesus was laid in a new tomb hewn out of rock, which belonged to Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:60, Mark 15:46, Luke 23:53, John 19:41). A large stone was rolled against the entrance of the tomb, and a guard was set to secure it at the request of the chief priests and Pharisees, who remembered Jesus' prediction of His resurrection (Matthew 27:62-66).

Significance

The death and burial of Jesus are foundational to Christian belief, representing the ultimate sacrifice for sin and the precursor to His victorious resurrection. These events fulfill numerous Old Testament prophecies and establish the basis for the New Covenant, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe in Him.