The Burial Of Jesus John 19:31-42
Introduction
The Lord told Adam and Eve that they would die if they ate fruit fm forbidden tree.
They did eat. Eventually they died.
What do you do with the body of someone who dies?
Every culture has developed customs for handling the dead.
The ancient Egyptians embalmed their dead, the pharaohs buried in pyramids
The indo-europeans cremated their dead
The Greeks and Romans either cremated or later buried their dead
The Hebrews buried their dead.
Today look at the burial of JS. What did they do w JS body? Answer w 4 Q&A
1st Why Was There A Rush To Bury Jesus’ Body? 31a
Romans when crucified would leave the body on the cross until devoured by birds
Normally, person took between 3hrs to 3 days to die
BUT in order not to give offense to Jews, body taken down before new day i.e. nightfall
Dt 21:22,23
In particular, JS crucified on the preparation day of the Sabbath after the Passover
Special day, therefore especially important to remove fm the cross before Sabbath
Cf 19:14 and 19:42 emphasis on the preparation day
2nd Who Signed Jesus’ Death Certificate? 31b-37
31b the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and taken away
To speed up death the Romans tak a iron mallet and break the legs below the knee
Hanging frm arms stretches chest chngs respiration process, exhalation bcms activ
Adequate exhalation required lifting the body, breaking legs prevented
Person would die in minutes once legs broken
32, 33 Soldiers break legs of criminals bt find JS already dd, they did not break His legs
Not breaking JS legs: unnecessary since alrdy dead, hard work – soldiers do min
34 Soldier confirms JS dead, easier to use a spear than a mallet with an iron head
Pierces JS side and blood and water come out, no sign of life
Mayo clinic explanation says water probably serous pleural and pericardial fluid
And blood prob frm th right atrium, J emphasize blood but preced by H2O
John’s Eyewitness confirmation 35, he saw, vouches for truth so you believe*** 20:31
LESSON 4US – Reliable evidence that Jesus was dead. Strong basis for belief.
Romans knew He was dead; John also knew He was dead.
JS death fulfills two scriptures
Not one bone broken 36 Nb 9:12 or Ps 34:20
Look on Him whom they pierced 37 Zc 12:10 AND 13:6; Is 53:5
LESSON4US – prophecies fulfilled
Roman Soldiers certified JS dead, Pilate surprised Mk15:44,45confirmed by centurion
3rd Who Claimed Jesus’ Body? 38, 39a
Joseph of Arimathea 38 Mt27:57 rich;Mk15:43 council mmbr, Lk23:51 nt cnsntd decisn
Disciple of JS, secretly, asked Pilate for body of JS, Pilate gave body to Joseph
Nicodemus 39 see in J3: 1,4,9; and J7:50
Came to JS by night ie.e. J 3,
LESSON4US – J12:42,43secret followers eventually become public followers. Are you
secret or openly follower of Christ?
4th What Did They Do With Jesus Body? 39b-42
Nicodemus brought myrrh and aloes 39b
JS’ body strips of linen and spices -> burial custom of Jews 40
In place of crucifixion, a garden tomb – never used before 41; Mt 27:60
JS’ body placed in the tomb, because of the preparation day 42
Conclusion: Jesus was certified dead by Romans. His death was confirmed by eyewitnesses.
Jesus body was prepared for burial and placed into a tomb. Jesus was dead. No doubt.