Jesus Buried in Joseph's Tomb ~ Matthew 27 Explained

Joseph of Arimathea: A Secret Disciple's Bold Act

After Jesus's death, Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin and secret follower of Christ, courageously requested Jesus's body from Pilate. The events leading to this moment, detailed in Jesus' journey to Pilate in Luke 23, show how both Jewish and Roman authorities played their part in God's redemptive plan.

57 Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.

58 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him.

The Significance of the Tomb

59 When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed.

61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Joseph's new tomb, hewn from rock, fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that the Messiah would be buried with the rich (Isaiah 53:9)

The Burial Preparation

Joseph wrapped Jesus's body in clean linen cloth and laid Him in his own unused tomb, demonstrating both reverence and fulfillment of Scripture.

Arimathea was about 20 miles north-west of Jerusalem. Mark 15:43 describes Joseph as a "prominent council member waiting for the kingdom of God." Luke 23-50 describes him as a "good and just man". But Matthew describes him as rich, a fulfillment of Isaiah 53:9. The two Mary's are also mentioned in verse 56.

Joseph: A Man of Righteousness

Upon learning of Mary's pregnancy, Joseph, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example was minded to put her away privily. (Matthew 1:19). That very night, however, Gabriel assured him in a dream concerning the impending virgin birth of Christ. This babe, Joseph was told, "shall save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). (see also Acts 4:12, 5:31, 13:23, 38; Hebrews 7:25). Gabriel referred to this babe as Emmanuel, meaning "God with Us" (Matthew 1:23). You can read more about the miraculous birth of Jesus in Matthew 1.

Joseph arranged to make Mary his fully legal wife. Joseph must be considered by all standards of measurement as a truly just man, with the spiritual maturity of a David, Moses, Peter or Paul. In fact, the New Testament Joseph may be favorably compared to the Old Testament Joseph. Both had fathers named Jacob. Both had amazing maturity. Both received visions from God. Both were in Egypt. One was a type of Christ, one was his legal guardian.

In fact, had it not been for Judas's sin, Joseph would have been ruling from Jerusalem as the rightful king when Christ was born. It was he and not Herod who had the proper credentials to sit upon the throne of Israel.

The Sealed Tomb and Roman Guard

The chief priests and Pharisees secured the tomb with a seal and posted guards, ironically ensuring that the resurrection would be undeniable. Their efforts to prevent the resurrection only served to authenticate it when it occurred, as we see in Matthew 28's account of the resurrection.

God's Sovereignty in Every Detail

Even the enemies of Christ unknowingly participated in God's plan, making the empty tomb an irrefutable testimony to His resurrection power. As we explored in Luke 23's account of Jesus dying on the cross, every detail of the crucifixion and burial was orchestrated according to God's eternal purpose.

The Significance for Believers Today

The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus in Mark 8 takes on deeper meaning when we understand the cross He bore for our salvation. As Paul declares in Romans 8:31-39, we are more than conquerors through Christ who died and rose again for us.

The First Noel: A Christmas Carol Celebrating Christ's Birth and Mission

Reflect on the journey from Jesus' birth to His sacrificial death and burial with this beautiful rendition of "The First Noel." This classic Christmas hymn reminds us that the Savior born in Bethlehem came to fulfill God's redemptive plan, culminating in the events of Matthew 27.

Listen and worship as you contemplate the full scope of Christ's mission—from manger to cross to empty tomb. As we read in 2 Corinthians 6:1-2, today is the day of salvation. The empty tomb offers hope and new life to all who believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.