What does Matthew 27:57-66 mean?

"Matthew 27:57-66: 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." - Matthew 27:57-66

Matthew 27:57-66 in the King James Version of the Bible tells the story of Jesus' burial after his crucifixion. This passage holds significant meaning in the Christian faith and has deep symbolism that embodies themes of hope, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The passage begins with the introduction of Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man and a disciple of Jesus. He is depicted as a man of great influence, as he goes to Pilate and requests the body of Jesus. Joseph's action here is significant as it shows his courage and faith in Jesus, despite the risk he may face by openly associating himself with a condemned criminal. This demonstrates an act of compassion and reverence for Jesus, as Joseph offers his own tomb for the burial of Jesus. It also fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9 that Jesus would be buried with the rich.

The act of burying Jesus in a tomb represents the fulfillment of scripture and the importance of honoring the crucified Messiah. This burial is significant in the narrative of Jesus' life as it underscores the reality of his death and the gravity of his sacrifice for humanity's sins.

The chief priests and the Pharisees, who were opponents of Jesus during his life, displayed their fear and suspicion by asking Pilate to secure the tomb. They were concerned that Jesus' disciples might steal his body and claim he had risen from the dead, which would have further perpetuated the message of Jesus' teachings. Pilate grants their request and orders the tomb to be made secure by setting a guard and sealing the stone.

This action by Pilate and the religious leaders reveals their acknowledgment of the power and influence of Jesus, even in his death. Their efforts to prevent his body from being stolen illustrate their fear and uncertainty regarding the truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God.

The sealing of the tomb and the posting of the guard symbolize the attempt to confine and suppress the message and teachings of Jesus. However, this ultimately serves to highlight the futility of human efforts to thwart the plans and purposes of God. Additionally, it sets the stage for the miraculous event of Jesus' resurrection, which will reveal the power of God and fulfill Jesus' own prophecy of rising from the dead.

The themes present in this passage include the fulfillment of prophecy, the contrast between the actions of Joseph and the religious leaders, and the anticipation of Jesus' resurrection. It also emphasizes the sovereignty of God over the plans and intentions of humans, as well as the significance of Jesus' sacrificial death and the hope of his coming resurrection.

In conclusion, Matthew 27:57-66 provides a compelling narrative of Jesus' burial and the events that follow, which hold deep symbolic meaning and embody themes of faith, sacrifice, and the fulfillment of prophecy. This passage serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of Joseph of Arimathea, the fear and opposition of the religious leaders, and the anticipation of the miraculous resurrection of Jesus. It serves as a foundational piece of the Christian faith, affirming the core beliefs of Jesus' death, burial, and ultimate victory over sin and death through his resurrection.

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Matthew 27:57-66 Artwork

Matthew 27:57-66 - "Matthew 27:57-66 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."

"Matthew 27:57-66 57 When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58 He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. 61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre. 62 Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, 63 Saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. 64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. 65 Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can. 66 So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." - Matthew 27:57-66

Matthew 27:66 - "So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch."

Matthew 27:57 - "When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:"

"So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch." - Matthew 27:66

"When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple:" - Matthew 27:57

Matthew 26:66 - "What think ye? They answered and said, He is guilty of death."

Matthew 13:57 - "And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house."