Holy Week · Holy Saturday · Year C
Matthew 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42
The Burial of Jesus
April 15, 2028
Overview & Insights
“Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb.” (Matthew 27:59-60)
The crucifixion narrative (27:27–50) brings together various christological threads of Matthew’s Gospel. The kingly (messianic) identity of Jesus is emphasized (27:29, 37, 40, 42, 43) and interpreted through the lens of Psalm 22 (27:31, 35, 39, 41, 46). The resulting portrait is a Messiah who willingly suffers for the sake of doing the will of God. Jesus’ death also proves to be of cosmic significance, bringing life to humanity (27:52). There is great irony in this passage. Although those who crucify and taunt Jesus assume that God will not rescue him (27:42–43, 49), and though that assumption seems to be confirmed by Jesus’ death (27:50), they are quite wrong. Not only will Jesus be vindicated in his resurrection (28:1–10), but also it is his death that will enact life and salvation for others (1:21; 20:28).
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Commentary
David Guzik Commentary on Matthew 27 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical exposition covering Joseph of Arimathea's burial of Jesus and the sealing and guarding of the tomb.
Matthew 27:57 Commentaries BibleHub
Parallel classic commentaries (Ellicott, Barnes, Pulpit) on the burial narrative gathered on one page.
Matthew 27 Commentary Precept Austin
Inductive verse-by-verse notes and cross-references drawing many conservative sources on the burial and the tomb guard.
Matthew 27:57 Greek Interlinear BibleHub
Word-by-word Greek text with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the burial verses.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
A Sermon for Holy Saturday, Matthew 27:57-66 Interrupting the Silence
Episcopal priest Michael Marsh preaches the silence and waiting of the sealed tomb on Holy Saturday.
The Last Week Journey with Jesus
Essay walking through the events of Holy Week, including the burial and the day Christ lay in the tomb.
Questions preachers ask
How is Jesus buried?
Joseph of Arimathea lays Jesus in a new tomb and rolls a great stone across it; the women keep watch, and a guard is set, on the day of rest before the Resurrection.
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