42 When evening had already come , because it was the preparation day , that is, the day before the Sabbath , 43 Joseph of Arimathea came , a prominent member of the Council , who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God ; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate , and asked for the body of Jesus . 44 Pilate wondered if He was dead by this time , and summoning the centurion , he questioned him as to whether He was already dead . 45 And ascertaining this from the centurion , he granted the body to Joseph . 46 Joseph bought a linen cloth , took Him down , wrapped Him in the linen cloth and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out in the rock ; and he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Mark 15:42-46
Commentary on Mark 15:42-47
(Read Mark 15:42-47)
We are here attending the burial of our Lord Jesus. Oh that we may by grace be planted in the likeness of it! Joseph of Arimathea was one who waited for the kingdom of God. Those who hope for a share in its privileges, must own Christ's cause, when it seems to be crushed. This man God raised up for his service. There was a special providence, that Pilate should be so strict in his inquiry, that there might be no pretence to say Jesus was alive. Pilate gave Joseph leave to take down the body, and do what he pleased with it. Some of the women beheld where Jesus was laid, that they might come after the sabbath to anoint the dead body, because they had not time to do it before. Special notice was taken of Christ's sepulchre, because he was to rise again. And he will not forsake those who trust in him, and call upon him. Death, deprived of its sting, will soon end the believer's sorrows, as it ended those of the Saviour.