Mark 15:46 – “So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the burial of Jesus, carried out by Joseph of Arimathea. After receiving permission from Pilate to take Jesus’ body, Joseph buys a linen cloth, takes down the body from the cross, and wraps it in the cloth. He then places Jesus’ body in a tomb carved out of rock, which was likely a private family tomb, and rolls a large stone in front of the entrance to seal it.
Joseph’s actions reflect both devotion and reverence. The act of preparing a body for burial was considered a significant and honorable task in Jewish culture. By wrapping Jesus in linen and placing Him in a proper tomb, Joseph ensured that Jesus was given a respectful burial, even though He had been executed as a criminal. This moment is crucial because it sets the stage for the discovery of the empty tomb and the resurrection.
Historical Context
In first-century Jewish burial customs, it was important to bury the dead quickly, especially before the Sabbath. The body was typically washed, anointed with spices, and wrapped in linen before being placed in a tomb. Wealthier families often had tombs carved into rock, with a large stone to seal the entrance. The stone served to protect the body from animals and grave robbers.
Joseph’s tomb was likely new and unused, as Matthew 27:60 mentions that it had been recently carved. Placing Jesus in this specific tomb fulfilled Isaiah 53:9, which prophesied that the suffering servant would be buried “with the rich.” Joseph’s involvement in Jesus’ burial is significant because it highlights the fulfillment of prophecy and shows that Jesus, though rejected by many, was honored in death.
The large stone mentioned in this verse is another important detail. These stones were heavy and difficult to move, typically requiring several men to roll them into place. The fact that the tomb was sealed with such a stone would later serve as evidence of the miraculous nature of the resurrection.
Theological Implications
Jesus’ burial is an essential part of the gospel message because it confirms that His death was real and final. Without His death, there could be no resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day.” The burial serves as the bridge between His death and resurrection, showing that God’s plan for redemption was unfolding perfectly.
The use of the linen cloth also has theological significance. Linen was often associated with purity and righteousness in Scripture (Revelation 19:8). Wrapping Jesus in linen highlights His sinlessness, even in death. It’s a reminder that although He bore the sins of the world, He remained the perfect and blameless Lamb of God.
Additionally, the tomb becomes a symbol of victory. What was intended as a place of final rest became the location of the greatest miracle—the resurrection. The stone, which was meant to seal the tomb and prevent any tampering, would soon be rolled away by the power of God, demonstrating that death could not hold Jesus.
Literary Analysis
Mark’s account of the burial is brief but filled with important details. The mention of the linen cloth, the tomb, and the stone creates a vivid image of finality. Mark often uses simple, direct language to convey important events, and this verse is no exception. The burial marks the completion of Jesus’ earthly suffering and sets the stage for the resurrection.
The rolling of the stone is a key moment in the narrative. It signals that Jesus’ body was securely placed in the tomb, making it clear that His resurrection was not the result of any human intervention. The mention of the stone also builds tension, as the reader knows that something extraordinary is about to happen.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:9 – “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death.”
- Matthew 27:59-60 – A parallel account of Joseph wrapping Jesus in linen and placing Him in the tomb.
- Luke 23:53 – The description of the tomb as one in which no one had been laid.
- John 19:39-40 – Nicodemus assists Joseph with the burial, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes.
- 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 – The burial of Jesus as a key component of the gospel message.
- Revelation 19:8 – Linen is associated with the righteous acts of God’s people.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder of the importance of honoring Jesus’ sacrifice and trusting in the power of His resurrection. The burial of Jesus was not just a historical detail—it was part of God’s plan to demonstrate His victory over sin and death. Believers can find comfort in knowing that just as Jesus’ death and burial were not the end of His story, their struggles and suffering are not the end of theirs. God is always at work, bringing new life and hope.
Joseph’s role in the burial also teaches an important lesson about faithful action. He stepped forward to care for Jesus’ body when others might have been afraid or unwilling. His example challenges believers to serve Christ boldly, even when it involves risk or sacrifice.
Additionally, the image of the sealed tomb and the large stone reminds Christians that what seems like an obstacle to human eyes is no obstacle to God. Just as God rolled away the stone and raised Jesus from the dead, He can overcome the barriers in our lives, bringing hope and restoration.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the way He provided for Jesus, even in death. Through Joseph of Arimathea, God ensured that His Son received a proper and honorable burial, fulfilling Scripture and demonstrating His care. This act of love is a reminder that God is present in every detail, even in times of sorrow and loss.
God’s love is also seen in the purpose of the tomb. What seemed like a place of defeat was transformed into a place of victory. The tomb is a symbol of God’s power to turn tragedy into triumph, reflecting His deep love for humanity and His desire to bring life where there was once death.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse highlights Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of prophecy and the Savior who willingly laid down His life for the salvation of humanity. His burial in a rich man’s tomb fulfills Isaiah 53:9, showing that even in death, Jesus was fulfilling God’s plan. The use of the linen cloth also points to His purity and righteousness, emphasizing that His death was not for His own sin but for the sins of the world.
The tomb becomes a central part of the resurrection narrative, demonstrating that Jesus’ death was not the end but the beginning of new life. Just as the tomb could not contain Him, death could not defeat Him. His resurrection would prove His victory over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think it was important for Jesus to be buried in a tomb, rather than being left on the cross or buried in a common grave?
- What can we learn from Joseph of Arimathea’s willingness to step forward and care for Jesus’ body?
- How does the image of the sealed tomb and the large stone remind you of God’s power to overcome obstacles?
- What does the burial of Jesus teach you about God’s attention to detail and the fulfillment of His promises?
- In what areas of your life do you need to trust that God can bring life and hope, just as He did through Jesus’ resurrection?