Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last

Mark 15:37-47

Many victims of crucifixion died quietly after many hours or even days on the cross, their point of death hard to mark. Jesus dies in a marked way at a definite point in time. His death is a defining moment in the relationship between God and humanity. This is a moment not simply defined by clock or calendar but one that has eternal significance. Jesus has died at the hands of humanity. The curtain in the sanctuary in the Temple is torn in two as Jesus, at the moment of his death, breaks down the barrier between God and humanity. The holiest is now accessible to all.

There are no more words from Jesus. Those who wanted him silenced have succeeded. Those who were frightened, angered or outraged by what he said have stopped him. The Word of God is silent and the world has done its best to ensure that it remains silent.

The bodies of those crucified were normally left on the cross to rot or discarded amongst the rubbish heaps outside the cities. They were not normally treated with any respect. Jesus’s body is treated with some dignity. Joseph of Arimathea takes the almost unheard of and dangerous step of going to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. Pilate is surprised but agrees when he is assured that Jesus is dead. Perhaps Pilate was aware of the injustice of his actions and felt that this was a way in which he could make some amends?

Joseph treats the body of Jesus with respect and even love, wrapping it in a linen cloth according to the law and placing it in his own very expensive rock tomb. He seals it and this is witnessed by Jesus’s mother Mary and Mary Magdalene whose testament is to be so important.