Mark 15:42-47
Now when evening had already come, since it was the day of preparation (that is, the day before the Sabbath), Joseph of Arimathea, a highly regarded member of the council, who was himself looking forward to the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised that he was already dead. He called the centurion and asked him if he had been dead for some time. When Pilate was informed by the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. After Joseph bought a linen cloth and took down the body, he wrapped it in the linen and placed it in a tomb cut out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone across the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where the body was placed.
Joseph is a member of the Jewish ruling council: he’s a Pharisee. This same account in John 19:38-40, says that Nicodemus, another Pharisee, assisted with this and purchased an expensive mixture of myrrh and aloes for Jesus’ burial. The hearts of both of these men were opened to receive Jesus. Not only that, but they are being used by God as instruments to prepare His beloved Son’s burial. The true Passover Lamb is Jesus. He is offered up to shield us from certain death and condemnation by our sin. It is His blood that covers us and restores our relationship with God. Joseph and Nicodemus believe, and we are able to see two hearts that blossom in response to grace. Romans 10:17 says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”