Mark 15:42
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Roman crucifixion typically left bodies hanging as carrion—maximizing deterrent effect. Roman authorities generally did not release crucified criminals' bodies for burial. However, governors could grant exceptions during Jewish festivals to avoid riot. Pilate's release of Jesus's body was unusual but politically expedient. This preparation day was Friday, Nisan 15 (or Nisan 14 per John's chronology). The convergence of crucifixion, Passover, and Sabbath created urgent timeline—Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7), died on Preparation Day as Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the temple.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the urgency of burial before Sabbath illustrate God's sovereign orchestration of redemptive history's details?
- What does Jesus bearing the curse of hanging on a tree reveal about substitutionary atonement?
- How does Jesus's death as the Passover Lamb during Passover preparation deepen understanding of His sacrifice's meaning?
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Analysis & Commentary
And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath—Mark notes the timing precisely: evening had arrived (approximately 3-6 PM). Preparation refers to Friday, the day before Sabbath when Jews prepared meals and completed work prohibited on Sabbath. The timing was urgent—Jewish law (Deuteronomy 21:22-23) required executed criminals' bodies not remain hanging overnight. This urgency intensified before Sabbath, when burial work became prohibited. Bodies had to be taken down and buried before sunset Friday evening. Jesus's followers had perhaps two hours to secure Pilate's permission, retrieve the body, and complete burial. Theologically, the timing fulfilled Scripture—Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:23 in Galatians 3:13: Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.