Rather unexpectedly, a Pharisee came forward to give the body of Jesus decent burial before the Sabbath began at 6 p.m.

(Deuteronomy 21:22-23)( This action on the part of Joseph of Arimathea required great courage! but Mark tells his readers that Joseph was one who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God; that was sufficient explanation for his action. Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead (15:44)\ as those who were crucified often hung on the cross for two or three days before they died; nothing is said about the robbers having died. The faithful women went to the tomb with Joseph and saw where the body of, Jesus was put, before they were forced to return home as the Sabbath began.

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