(42) And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation; that is, the day before the sabbath, (43) Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. (44) And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked, him, whether he had been any while dead? (45) And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. (46) And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. (47) And Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of Joses, beheld where he was laid.
Excepting the enquiry which Pilate made of the Centurion by way of being assured of the certainty of CHRIST's death; we have the same account given by Matthew as is related by Mark. I therefore refer to the observations which were then offered. But, if I detain the Reader a moment longer on those verses, it shall he only to invite him to contemplate the tomb of JESUS. Never did death before detain such a prisoner. But, Reader! it is the joy of his redeemed that he then did. For it is by death CHRIST hath destroyed him that had the power of death; that is, the Devil: and delivered them, who through fear of death, were all their life time subject to bondage. Hebrews 2:14-15. But what a funeral is here! The sacred body begged, and then perfumed. A few following the procession, and but a few; and those by stealth as it were. But, Reader! as the death of CHRIST was of the highest importance to the everlasting salvation of his Church, so his burial became essential both to prove that death, and to answer the prediction of prophecies concerning it. See Isaiah 53:9; Psalms 22:15; Matthew 12:40; Hosea 13:14; Jeremiah 31:26; Revelation 1:13-18; Psalms 23:4. Reader! let you and I frequently in solemn meditation visit the Sepulchre of Jesus! Sacred garden of the most blessed thoughts! From hence, the first distinct prospect was given of the upper and brighter world. Here JESUS the resurrection and life of his redeemed taught them to look up, and by faith enter upon the possession of those mansions which be is gone before to pre pare for them, until he shall come again to receive them to himself, that Where he is, there they may be also, Hail! thou risen and exalted SAVIOR! In thy triumphs over death, hell, and the grave, we already can and do sing the Apostle's song: Oh death where is thy sting! O grave where is thy victory!