⁴¹ Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. ⁴² So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

Since the tomb of Jesus is prominent in the resurrection account, it is important to give attention to this study of the burial of Jesus.

19:41

Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden,

There was a garden in near proximity to where Jesus was crucified.

and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.

The “new tomb” fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 that the Messiah would be buried with the rich. Only rich people had tombs in those days (Mk 15:46). This tomb was Joseph’s personal tomb (Mt 27:60).

19:42

So there they laid Jesus,

Joseph and Nicodemus laid the body of Jesus in the new tomb of Joseph.

because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

The Sabbath was very near so it was important to bury Jesus quickly. No work was allowed on the Saturday.

PRINCIPLE:

The burial of Jesus is a confirmation of His death.

APPLICATION:

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be buried with the rich in His death (Is 53:9). Jesus was buried in Joseph’s tomb.

The burial of Jesus is part of the gospel (1 Co 15:4). People bury those they are certain are dead. The certainty of the death of Christ was the prelude to His bodily resurrection. First Corinthians 15:3-4 gives three elements to the gospel: Christ’s (1) death for our sins, (2) burial, and (3) resurrection. Jesus’ burial confirmed His death so that no one could claim He swooned on the cross or that His death was fake.