February 5, 2026

Death and Burial

Mark 15:33-47

Jesus dies on the cross.  The disciples, we were told in chapter 14, verse 50, all deserted Jesus.  Thus Jesus died alone.  But we are now told that several of the women who had followed Jesus were watching from a distance. 

While crucified people were often just left on the cross, or were buried in a shallow grave, here we have Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, and presumably one who did not agree with any decision against Jesus, who asks for Jesus’ body.  After confirmation that Jesus was indeed dead, Pilate grants the request and Jesus is given a proper burial in a tomb, and the opening to the tomb is sealed.

In some ways we have such scant information about Jesus’ death, in part because the disciples were not there.  But we hold on to the hope of something coming out of the whole situation, as Jesus is accorded this proper burial.