Mark 15:42-46; John 19:31-42

Today’s passages are a part of nearly every presentation by the guides at the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem.  Near Skull Hill (Gordon’s Calvary) there was a garden (vineyard) in Jesus’ day, evidenced by the wine press discovered on the property in 1927, a wine press dating to the time of Christ.  The large size of the wine press makes it easy to connect the vineyard to a person of wealth. 

In the Biblical account Joseph of Arimathea (a wealthy man) and Nicodemus, two secret believers who belonged to the Sanhedrin, became bold in their faith and took responsibility for the body of Jesus.  Joseph went to the area of the Praetorium (thought to be in the area of the Jaffa Gate) to seek permission to take the body.  He then returned to Calvary with new linens, and with Nicodemus (who supplied the spices), took the body to a nearby tomb.  

Distances involving Gordon’s Calvary as well as the traditional site are such as to enable them to finish their work between 3PM and 6PM, in time to begin the high Sabbath.  My own view is that the crucifixion was on Thursday, the Sabbath at the beginning of the Feast of Unleavened Bread being Thursday evening to Friday evening, followed by the weekly Sabbath (Friday evening to Saturday).  

John’s account tells us how Pilate determined that Christ was actually dead.  He sent one of his centurions to check.  As was the custom, he broke the legs of the other two so they could no longer push up to breathe, thus hastening their deaths.  But Christ was already dead, so in fulfillment of prophecy none of His bones were broken (Psa. 34:20) but rather He was pierced (Zech. 12:10).

John notes that “blood and water came out” of Jesus’ side, something he considers important.  This indicates the spear was thrust deep into our Lord’s abdomen, reaching the heart.  But, as some love to say at this point, He did not “die of a broken heart”.  The flow of blood and water is not the cause of His death but the result and proof of His death.  

Perhaps that is what John wanted us to see.  In the early Church there were those who denied Jesus’ humanity, saying He only seemed human (Docetism).  This heresy, like all heresies, robs Christ of His exalted status.  Hebrews 2 says the Lord fully identified with mankind, being made a little lower than the angels that by God’s grace He might taste death for everyone (v9).  As the captain of their salvation in His death He suffered to the fullest extent of humanity (v10).  He who sanctifies was truly one with those who are being sanctified (v11).  

Because He truly became one of and one with us, we see His exaltation.  He is now our merciful and faithful High Priest (Hb. 2:17).  For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted (Hb. 2:18).  He knows you.  He has been where you are, and even more.  He knows even your sin for He personally and painfully bore it on Calvary.  Trust Him today.  Follow where He leads you.  Without hesitation!