- There is little to assess in the Gospels’ sparse account of this scene. It might be recalled the ordinarily Romans left crucified bodies to rot on their crosses and be eaten by wild animals as a final indignity. Since unburied bodies were repugnant to Jews, an exception to this norm was probably made in Judea.
- It is noteworthy that the later the Gospel, the more Joseph of Arimathea is described as a disciple of Jesus. This makes the historicity of his discipleship somewhat dubious. If Jesus’ body was given to him, as all the Gospels agree, then his status as an influential Jewish leader whose request Pilate might respect seems reasonable. He probably admired Jesus and wanted to ensure that his body received a decent burial. His action was remembered with honor by the followers of Jesus.
- Jesus seems to have been hastily buried – Sabbath and likely the Passover were imminent – in a tomb near to the execution site.
- Leading women of Jesus’ entourage observed the burial in the absence of the male disciples.
