A royal burial

Holy Saturday, April 3, 2021

Read John 19:31-42

The Roman custom was to leave bodies on the cross as a warning to others, but Jewish law required burial the same day, particularly for someone seen to be cursed by being “hung on a tree” (31-32; Deut.21:22-23). Death by crucifixion could take several days; smashing the victim’s legs with a heavy hammer speeded this up by making breathing even more difficult. But, in fact, Jesus was already dead (33). The spear thrust into his side confirmed this (34) and the “blood and water” which flowed out indicates that Jesus had died of a ruptured heart.

The emphasis on eye-witness evidence shows that John considered this to be an important detail (35), because it makes clear the genuine humanity of Jesus. John’s gospel begins by stating that “The Word became flesh” (1:14) and here he emphasises that having become truly man Jesus also truly died. Also, in the non-breaking of his legs and the piercing of his side, John sees yet again the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies and further confirmation that Jesus is the promised Messiah (36-37; Psalm 34:20; Exod.12:46 about the Passover lamb; Zech.12:10).

Joseph of Arimathea was a prominent member of the Jewish council who previously had been afraid to declare his faith in Jesus (38; 12:42-43; Mark 15:43). So it took great courage to make this request. John alone tells us that Joseph was accompanied by another Council member, Nicodemus, who had also shown interest in Jesus but without declaring his faith openly (39a; 3:1-2; 7:50-51). Both men were wealthy, providing expensive spices and a personal tomb (39b-41; Matt.27:57,60). The huge quantity of spices recalls a royal funeral (2 Chron.16:14). Though his body was lying in a tomb awaiting the resurrection (42), Jesus had already been lifted up and crowned as king, drawing these two men to faith and commitment (12:32).