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John

John 
Day 
Day 325

John 19:16-42 "THE BURIAL CUSTOM OF THE JEWS"

Day 325 – John 19

THE BURIAL CUSTOM OF THE JEWS

John took time to mention that the burial of Jesus was according to the custom of the Jews. An interesting entry is found in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.

“Under Greco-Roman influence, Palestine tombs
took on the exterior form and ornamentation
of classic architecture, e.g. the elaborate Tombs
of the Sanhedrin or the so-called Tombs of the
Kings, in Jerusalem. Exposed areas were
whitewashed to obviate uncleanness through
accidental contact at night (Matthew 23:27).
In Roman times the entrance was often closed
with a large circular stone, set up on edge and
rolled in its groove to the mouth of the tomb so
as to close it securely. This stone could then be
further secured by a strap, or by sealing. Pilate
had directed that the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea,
in which the body of Jesus was laid, should be
carefully sealed and made as inviolable as
possible” (Matthew 27:66).
(ISBE Vol. 1, Burial page 559)

THE GARDEN TOMB OF JESUS

John noted the details of the burial place of Jesus.

“Now in the place where He was crucified there
was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb
in which no man had yet been laid. So there
they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation
Day, for the tomb was nearby.”
John 19:41-42

Luke made the following observations about the burial of Jesus.

“Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen,
and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the
rock, where no one had ever lain before. That
day was the Preparation, and the Sabbath drew
near. And the women who had come with Him
from Galilee followed after, and they observed
the tomb and how His body was laid. Then
they returned and prepared spices and fragrant oils.
And they rested on the Sabbath according to the
commandment.”
Luke 23:53-56

Mark had this observation to contribute.

“Then he bought fine linen, took Him down,
and wrapped Him in the linen. And he laid
Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of
the rock, and rolled a stone against the door
of the tomb.”
Mark 15:46

All the observations made by the Gospel writers agree with what was known about the tombs in the Greco-Roman era.

THE REQUEST FOR SOLDIERS TO GUARD THE TOMB

Matthew had a special contribution to make concerning the guarding of the Tomb of Jesus.

“On the next day, which followed the Day of
Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees
gathered together to Pilate, saying, ‘Sir, we
remember, while He was still alive, how that
deceiver said, “After three days I will rise.”
Therefore command that the tomb be made secure
until the third day, lest His disciples come by night
and steal Him away, and say to the people, “He
has risen from the dead.” So the last deception will
be worse than the first.’ Pilate said to them, ‘You
have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as
you know how.’ So they went and made the tomb
secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.”
Matthew 27:62-66

The chief priests and the Pharisees, the inveterate enemies of Jesus went to great trouble to ensure that none of their wicked plans could possibly go awry.

1. The Bold Prophecy of the Resurrection remembered.

The chief priests and Pharisees recalled that Jesus had said that He would rise from the dead on the third day!

2. Safeguarding the Tomb

Of course they did not believe a word Jesus said. However, they feared that the Disciples might rally and steal the body of Jesus and then promote that “fact” and their best plans to destroy Jesus would have gone askew!

3. Placing a guard of Roman soldiers

They figured that if a guard of Roman soldiers could be placed at the tomb of Jesus, then their presence would deter any of the Disciples from coming to steal His body.

4. The sealing of the tomb

The chief priests and the Pharisees even sealed the stone after setting the guard! They then left, sure that nothing could go wrong! How they erred not knowing Jesus!