Mark 15:42 – “It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,”
Extended Explanation
This verse sets the stage for what is about to happen next—the burial of Jesus. Mark tells us that it was Preparation Day, which is the day before the Sabbath. In Jewish tradition, the Sabbath was a day of rest and worship, beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at sunset on Saturday. On Preparation Day, the Jewish people would finish their work, prepare meals, and make any necessary arrangements so they could fully observe the Sabbath.
Because the Sabbath was approaching, there was a sense of urgency. Jesus’ body needed to be taken down from the cross and buried before sunset. The reference to “as evening approached” highlights the pressing timeline. This verse leads into the account of Joseph of Arimathea, who courageously steps forward to request Jesus’ body for burial (Mark 15:43).
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish culture, the Sabbath was strictly observed. Work of any kind, including burying the dead, was prohibited once the Sabbath began. Therefore, the period before sunset on Friday was crucial for completing necessary tasks. The religious leaders and the people took the Sabbath law seriously, and failing to properly observe it would have been seen as dishonoring God.
The urgency surrounding Jesus’ burial is also tied to the custom of burying the dead quickly. In Jewish tradition, bodies were typically buried on the same day of death, both as a sign of respect and to avoid ritual impurity (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). This explains why Joseph of Arimathea and others acted quickly to ensure that Jesus was buried before sunset.
The mention of Preparation Day also highlights the tension and irony of the moment. The Jewish leaders had been meticulous in their efforts to observe the Sabbath and the religious laws, but in their zeal to do so, they missed the fact that they had crucified the Messiah. Their legalistic focus blinded them to the spiritual significance of what was happening.
Theological Implications
This verse emphasizes the intersection of God’s plan for salvation and human tradition. The urgency to bury Jesus before the Sabbath was part of the cultural and religious norms, but it also fulfilled God’s plan for Jesus to be in the tomb before the Sabbath began. This detail aligns with Jesus’ earlier predictions about His death and resurrection, including the prophecy that He would rise after three days (Mark 8:31).
Theologically, the reference to Preparation Day also underscores the idea that Jesus’ death was a fulfillment of Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate preparation for humanity’s redemption. Just as the Jewish people prepared for the Sabbath, Jesus’ death was a preparation for the new covenant, where His sacrifice would provide eternal rest and salvation for believers.
Additionally, this verse points to the importance of timing in God’s plan. The fact that Jesus’ death occurred on the day of preparation, just before the Sabbath, highlights God’s sovereignty. Nothing in Jesus’ death was accidental—it was all part of a carefully orchestrated plan to bring salvation to the world.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s mention of Preparation Day is not just a detail about timing—it also serves a symbolic purpose. Throughout Mark’s Gospel, time and urgency are recurring themes. Jesus’ ministry is depicted as fast-paced and purposeful, and this sense of urgency continues through His death and burial. The phrase “as evening approached” creates tension, setting the scene for the next critical moment: the burial of Jesus.
The mention of Preparation Day also links this part of the narrative to the Jewish religious calendar. Mark often connects events in Jesus’ life to Jewish festivals and customs, highlighting how Jesus fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. By noting that Jesus’ death occurred just before the Sabbath, Mark emphasizes that Jesus’ death was the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 21:22-23 – The law requiring the burial of executed individuals on the same day of death.
- Mark 8:31 – Jesus predicts His death and resurrection, saying He would rise after three days.
- John 19:31 – The Jewish leaders ask Pilate to have the bodies taken down from the cross before the Sabbath.
- Hebrews 4:9-10 – The idea of a spiritual rest that comes through Jesus, connecting to the significance of the Sabbath.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, even when it is not immediately understood. Just as the events leading to Jesus’ burial happened according to God’s plan, believers can trust that God is sovereign over the details of their lives. Even when circumstances seem chaotic or rushed, God’s purposes are being fulfilled.
This verse also challenges believers to consider how they “prepare” for their spiritual lives. The Jewish people prepared for the Sabbath with diligence, making sure everything was in order before it began. In the same way, Christians are called to live lives of spiritual preparation, staying ready for Christ’s return and cultivating a heart of worship and obedience.
Additionally, the urgency surrounding Jesus’ burial reminds Christians of the importance of acting in faith, even when time seems limited or obstacles arise. Joseph of Arimathea’s bold decision to request Jesus’ body (Mark 15:43) shows that faithful action, even under pressure, can lead to significant outcomes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown through His careful planning of every aspect of Jesus’ death and burial. Even the timing of these events reflects His love and care for humanity. By ensuring that Jesus’ body was buried before the Sabbath, God preserved the integrity of the law while also demonstrating that Jesus’ sacrifice had fulfilled the requirements of the law.
The fact that Jesus was buried quickly and respectfully also reflects God’s loving provision. Despite the horrific events of the crucifixion, God ensured that Jesus’ body was treated with dignity and that the burial took place according to His plan. This detail shows that God is always in control, even in moments of pain and loss.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects directly to Jesus’ role as the ultimate sacrifice for sin. His death on Preparation Day emphasizes that He is the fulfillment of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Just as the Jewish people prepared sacrifices and observed the Sabbath to honor God, Jesus’ death prepared the way for a new covenant, where believers could find eternal rest and reconciliation with God through His sacrifice.
The timing of Jesus’ death and burial also foreshadows His resurrection. By being buried before the Sabbath, Jesus’ body rested in the tomb during the day of rest, symbolizing that His work of salvation was complete. When He rose on the third day, it marked the beginning of new life and victory over sin and death.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think Mark specifically mentions that it was Preparation Day before the Sabbath?
- How does the urgency surrounding Jesus’ burial demonstrate the importance of God’s timing in His plan of salvation?
- In what ways can you “prepare” spiritually for the challenges and opportunities God places in your life?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s sovereignty, even in difficult or rushed circumstances?
- How does understanding the significance of Jesus’ death on Preparation Day deepen your appreciation for His sacrifice and resurrection?