Mark 15:42-47 | Session 65 | Mark Rightly Divided
Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-8 | At The Sepulchre
Mark 15:42-47 | The Burial
Verse 42 -
Mark 15:42 provides crucial insight into the timing of the crucifixion. The text clearly states it occurred on "the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,” a detail corroborated by all four gospel accounts. John's gospel further specifies this was "the preparation of the passover" (John 19:14). This timing reveals several important facts about the sequence of events.
First, the following day, which began at sundown, served both as the weekly Sabbath (Mark 15:42) and the Passover (John 19:14). This chronology demonstrates that the Last Supper occurred at minimum 24 hours before Jesus' burial, and therefore could not have been a Passover meal. While some scholars suggest that Galileans may have observed Passover on a different day, this later tradition contradicts Jesus' own words about fulfilling the law to "one jot or one tittle" (Matthew 5:18).
The evidence strongly supports a Friday crucifixion, though this has been challenged on two grounds. Some interpret Jesus' prophecy that He would be "three days and three nights in the heart of the earth" (Matthew 12:40) as requiring a full 72 hours in the grave, which a Friday crucifixion would not permit. However, "the heart of the earth" more likely refers to Jerusalem rather than the tomb. Others suggest the "sabbath" mentioned was a special Passover rest day rather than the weekly Sabbath, citing John's reference to a "high day" (John 19:31). A more natural reading is that this was a "high sabbath" because the weekly Sabbath coincided with the Passover. Notably, none of the gospel accounts mention two separate Sabbaths during the crucifixion week.
These details confirm the traditional view that Jesus died on Friday while correcting the common misconception that the Last Supper was a Passover meal.
Verse 43 -
Joseph of Arimathaea is mentioned in all four Gospels. From the Biblical record, we learn that he was rich and a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57–60), an honorable counselor who waited for the Kingdom of God (Mark 15:43), a good and just man (Luke 23:50–53), and a secret disciple (John 19:38–42).
The council he served on was likely the Sanhedrin, though the word itself is not used. Though he followed Jesus secretly (Jn. 19:38), he showed remarkable courage by going before Pilate to request Jesus' body. His wealth enabled him to provide his own private tomb.
There is no undisputed contemporary reference to Joseph of Arimathaea in extra-biblical historical records such as the writings of Josephus, Philo, or Roman authors of the era.
A well-known medieval legend proposes that Joseph traveled to Britain, perhaps bringing with him the "Holy Grail"—the cup used at the Last Supper. This story became associated with Glastonbury in England. However, these traditions arose centuries after the events and lack corroboration from earlier sources. They reflect devotional or romantic piety rather than established historical record.
The description that he "waited for the Kingdom of God" reveals that he was a faithful Jew with Messianic expectations, the same hopes held by the Apostles in Acts 1:6, just prior to Jesus' ascension.
Verse 44 -
Pilate's surprise at the speed of Jesus' death was well-founded, as crucifixion victims typically endured a much longer ordeal. Historical records from both Roman and Jewish sources, including Josephus, document cases where the crucified remained alive for two to three days - a deliberately prolonged death meant to serve as a public warning. In Jesus' case, however, death came much more quickly, occurring within approximately six hours (Mark 15:25, 34-37). This unusually swift death can be attributed in part to the severe scourging and beatings He had endured beforehand, which would have significantly weakened His body.
To verify the timing, Pilate consulted with the centurion—the same officer who had declared Jesus to be "the Son of God." Though we can only speculate about their conversation, it would have been remarkable to witness. This interaction provides additional evidence of Jesus' confirmed death.
Verse 45 -
John 19:31-34 provides additional detail: the Jewish leadership had requested that the legs of the crucified men be broken to hasten their deaths before the impending Sabbath/Passover. These accounts align seamlessly with Mark's narrative:
1. Death of Jesus: Jesus cries out and yields up His spirit earlier than expected (Mark 15:37; Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46; John 19:30).
2. Request to Hasten Death: Because the following day was the Sabbath—a particularly significant feast day (John 19:31 calls it a "high day")—the Jewish leaders ask Pilate to expedite the deaths of the crucified men. Pilate orders the breaking of their legs.
3. Spear in the Side: The soldiers discover Jesus already dead; one soldier pierces His side with a spear to verify His death (John 19:34). This act confirms Jesus's death medically and fulfills prophecy regarding the Messiah (cf. Zechariah 12:10).
4. Pilate Inquires: Joseph of Arimathaea approaches, requesting to bury Jesus. Pilate, astonished at the swift death, questions the centurion (Mark 15:44). The centurion, who oversaw the execution, confirms Jesus's death.
5. Permission Granted: Upon receiving official confirmation, Pilate "gave the body to Joseph" (Mark 15:45). Joseph (accompanied by Nicodemus in John 19:39) then removes the body from the cross, prepares it according to Jewish customs, and places it in the nearby tomb.
Mark's account is characteristically swift and action-oriented. He emphasizes the verification process—Pilate's surprise and the centurion's assurance—rather than the piercing of Jesus's side. John includes this detail for theological and prophetic significance: it validates Jesus's death and fulfills Scripture. Both accounts agree that Jesus had died and that Pilate, once satisfied of this fact, permitted Joseph of Arimathaea to handle the burial.
The accounts complement each other perfectly. Mark focuses on Pilate's inquiry and Joseph's receipt of the body, while John illuminates the preceding events at Golgotha. Together, they reveal that Pilate's surprise and the centurion's testimony were informed by the soldier's spear-thrust—confirming beyond doubt that Jesus was deceased. This harmonizes Mark 15:44–45 with John 19:31–34.
Verse 46 -
The "fine linen" would have been quite expensive—something only a wealthy person could afford. Additionally, this tomb was "hewn out of rock" rather than being a natural cave, making it a costly burial site.
The famous Shroud of Turin is sometimes claimed to be this burial linen.
Evidence suggests the Shroud of Turin is not the burial cloth described in Mark 15:46, based on several key findings:
1. Carbon-14 Dating: 1988 radiocarbon testing dated the Shroud to 1260-1390 AD, though some dispute these results.
2. Historical Record: No reliable documentation exists before the 14th century (1350s, France).
3. Gospel Descriptions: The Gospel of John describes multiple burial cloths and a separate head covering, while the Shroud is a single large cloth.
4. Jewish Burial Customs: Traditional Jewish burial used multiple cloth strips with spices between layers, unlike the Shroud's full-body drape design.
5. Artistic Style: The Shroud's imagery more closely resembles medieval artistic conventions than first-century artifacts.
Verse 47 -
Mark mentions two of the women who were previously at the cross witnessing where the body was laid. This detail explains their knowledge of the tomb's location when they return on Sunday morning.
