Accusations
Luke 23:1 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate.
The whole of the Sanhedrin, the council of the Jews.
The Sanhedrin, the great council at Jerusalem, consisting of the seventy one members; scribes, elders, prominent members of the high priestly families and the high priest, the president of the assembly. The most important causes were brought before this tribunal, inasmuch as the Roman rulers of Judaea had left to it the power of trying such cases, and also of pronouncing sentence of death, with the limitation that a capital sentence pronounced by the Sanhedrin was not valid unless it was confirmed by the Roman procurator. (Strongs)
Pilate was the Roman procurator, an officer of the Roman empire entrusted with management of the financial affairs of the province and often having administrative powers as agent of the emperor.
Luke 23:2 And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.
The entire council of the law, broke the ninth commandment in bearing false witness.
Exo 20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
How can so many be blind? Look at some of our own lawmakers; partisan politics, corruption, anything but righteous judgment. Jesus warned of this earlier.
Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
What were the charges?
Charge 1. We found this fellow perverting the nation.
He spoke God's truth, was merciful and just. He spoke to those that John the Baptist sent to him.
Luke 7:21 And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.
Luke 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Luke 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
Charge 2: Forbidding to give tribute to Caesar
Jesus addressed this question earlier.
Mark 12:14 And when they were come, they say unto him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not?
Mark 12:15 Shall we give, or shall we not give? But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt ye me? bring me a penny, that I may see it.
Mark 12:16 And they brought it. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him, Caesar's.
Mark 12:17 And Jesus answering said unto them, Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. And they marvelled at him.
Charge 3: Saying that he himself is Christ a King.
Pilate asks him of this.
Luke 23:3 And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it.
The apostle John was eye witness to this. His account gives us more of what was said.
John 18:33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews?
John 18:34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me?
John 18:35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done?
John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
John 18:37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Luke 23:4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.
Pilate had no reason to accuse Jesus. Later he would say that it was for envy that they delivered Jesus to him. How can he not be involved in this? Each must answer about Jesus. What will we do with him?
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Herod wanted a miracle
Luke 23:5 And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place.
The seventy and more members of the council, with one angry voice protested Pilate's words, that Jesus was not guilty. They continued with testimony saying that he stirred up the people from Galilee to Jerusalem. Yes, he stirred hearts. First calling for repentance of sin, and then speaking the mighty word of God. The people saw him as greater than the Scribes and Pharisees.
Mark 1:21 And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.
Mark 1:22 And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:23 And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out,
Mark 1:24 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.
Mark 1:25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.
They were jealous of Jesus, for he spoke with authority, as a Son of God.
Luke 23:6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean.
Luke 23:7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.
Luke 23:8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.
Herod was so excited to see the man who did miracles. Why do we seek Jesus? Is it only for miracles? Or is it also the message of power and hope. The miracles illustrated his message. The message was what was important. There was power in his words for a new life. He came with power and the power was in his word and in his presence. We need the word and his presence. The word and the spirit go together. We should not seek one above the other. The word alone cannot be understood without the presence of His Spirit. The Spirit alone needs the message of His word, or it is just a feeling, a miracle with no confirmation of His word.
Many seek miracles and many think they are of God when they follow a powerful feeling. The feeling may be another spirit separating them from God's Bible to a "higher" truth. There is no higher truth apart from God's written word. All truth must be seen through the written word and by God's Spirit. We are to speak the gospel until the end.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Do not turn from God's word and His Spirit, to another teaching. Beware of those who teach "another" gospel, that say that the finished work of Jesus is not enough. Some will bring the old testament laws to put you into bondage again, saying Jesus is not enough, you must do this other thing also. Paul said, let them be accursed.
Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Gal 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Beware coming under the bondage of men or women with a new way, or some old testament curse or following what is not the gospel taught by our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostles.
Eph 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
Eph 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:
Eph 2:22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Purple Robe
Luke 23:9 Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing.
Jesus said nothing to Herod, who wanted a miracle or a trick. Isaiah the prophet prophesied 700 years earlier of this meeting.
Isa 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Isa 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
Luke 23:10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him.
Altogether shouting, loud and angry and in so doing serving satan. Hanging out with others as you are, doesn't make you right. A child of God needs godly friends. Jesus suffered abuse alone for our sins.
Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
John 19:2 And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,
John 19:3 And said, Hail, King of the Jews! and they smote him with their hands.
John 19:4 Pilate therefore went forth again, and saith unto them, Behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know that I find no fault in him.
John 19:5 Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
Luke 23:12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves.
Note this, the two never got along but because they were enemies of God they became friends. I have seen this numerous times in the Internet Christian chats. Those opposing Jesus who have nothing in common, but their opposition, become friends and one in their mockery. The old saying, birds of a feather flock together. The fowls who destroy the word come together, big and little, vulture and crow, with one purpose.
Luke 23:13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,
Luke 23:14 Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him:
Luke 23:15 No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him.
Pilate again attempts to get away from the Jews demand for the life of Jesus. He saw no wrong in him. Nothing worthy of death.
Release Barabbas
Luke 23:16 I will therefore chastise him, and release him.
If you saw the movie, "the passion," you will know that Jesus was severely beaten almost to the point of death, still? This did not satisfy the angry crowd. This had to be of the devil, for Jesus had done nothing but good works. His words were from God, only satan would desire such evil and those who listened to him in their evil hearts. God allowed this, for it was the time of sacrifice for our sins. There was no other way for a just God to legally set us free, unless another who was innocent died in our place. This was his plan from the beginning of the world.
Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Eph 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
Eph 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:
Luke 23:17 (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.)
Luke 23:18 And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:
Luke 23:19 (Who for a certain sedition made in the city, and for murder, was cast into prison.)
Luke 23:20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spake again to them.
Luke 23:21 But they cried, saying, Crucify him, crucify him.
The same crowd who just a week earlier shouted Hosanna to the king, now has turned against him. How easily people change their opinions.
Mark 11:8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strowed them in the way.
Mark 11:9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:
Mark 11:10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.
Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.
Three times Pilate witnesses that Jesus was not guilty. Peter denied the Lord three times.
Luke 23:23 And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.
Mat 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see ye to it.
Mat 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.
Luke 23:24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they required.
Luke 23:25 And he released unto them him that for sedition and murder was cast into prison, whom they had desired; but he delivered Jesus to their will.
Bear the Cross
Luke 23:26 And as they led him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.
If the Jews had have killed Jesus themselves, they would have stoned him. The Roman form of execution was the cross. Jesus was so beaten, with no food or drink since that night in the upper room. He had been betrayed by Judas, Simon and most of his disciples had fled from him. He faced the cross, dragging its weight with so much blood loss and being totally warn out by the beatings and insults. He could not bear the weight of the cross alone, he needed help. He bore all our sins upon him and asks us to give him the weight of them, but in the flesh, he needed help.
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Simon the Cyrene was forced to bear the weight of the cross. Cyrene was in Northern Africa, so Simon may have been a black man. One wonders where Peter and James and John were at this time. They could have carried the cross. This was one of the greatest honors given to a man, to bear the cross for Jesus, dragging it up to the mountain of the skull. We are told to bear our own cross, to die to the flesh and to follow Jesus.
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Simon was called to bear the cross of Jesus, giving him a moments rest. This allowed Jesus to speak a prophecy to the weeping women of Jerusalem.
Luke 23:27 And there followed him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented him.
Luke 23:28 But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
Luke 23:29 For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.
Luke 23:30 Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.
Luke 23:31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?
They did these things to the perfect holy man, the Son of God. Who will save them from Rome, the soldiers who would come, and from satan?
Who was Simon? Mark tells us he had sons known within the church.
Mark 15:21 And they compel one Simon a Cyrenian, who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to bear his cross.
It appears that he became prominent in the church, as prophet or teacher.
Acts 13:1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
Pick up your cross for Jesus. There is work to do. He is calling you to serve him.
King of the Jews
Luke 23:32 And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death.
Two thieves, not Romans, for the Romans thought this too cruel a punishment for a citizen of room. That is why when Paul was killed, it was not on a cross, for he was a Roman citizen.
Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
Jesus was crucified in the midst of thieves, his arms stretched out to each with the power of forgiveness and eternal life.
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Jesus forgave those who crucified them. They know not what they do? Satan had blinded them, but Jesus was forgiving even them IF, they would repent and believe in him. There is no sin so great that Jesus will not forgive, if we come to him believing in him with repentant hearts.
They parted his raiment, a seamless garment, the garment of a priest and they cast lots fulfilling a prophecy.
Psa 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.
Psa 22:17 I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me.
Psa 22:18 They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.
Psa 22:19 But be not thou far from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me.
Luke 23:35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
Always mockers. Some say to God's people, "if you heal why not walk through hospitals healing them all!", God heals through his servant as He wills it. Jesus would bring God's healing to millions, what greater healing then sins forgiven and a new heart? We follow the will of the Father as Jesus was in the plan of God the Father, to shed his blood for the forgiveness of our sins.
Luke 23:36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
Luke 23:37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
Luke 23:38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
The message above the head of Jesus was written in the most well known languages, for where he was crucified he could be seen from one of the major roads. People from every nation were coming to Jerusalem for the Passover. They would see in their own tongue the sign, this is the king of the Jews. Speaking in tongues later would be as a sign so that all would be able to hear the message and glorify God. Jesus glorified God in his death on the cross.
John 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
John 3:15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Paradise
Luke 23:39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
This one commanded Jesus, as if he were the devil. This is no way to come to Jesus for salvation.
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
Luke 23:40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
The other thief saw Jesus as the Son of God. Show respect, who are you to command Jesus?
Luke 23:41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
God's punishment for sins is just. The one thief knew the law and accepted the judgment for law breaking. By respecting the law, he respected the law maker. Those who have no respect for the law, or want to do the law their way, have little respect for God. They place themselves above the law giver.
Luke 23:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
He called Jesus master and believed in his kingdom. He believed in Jesus. Remember me, Lord.
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
With Jesus, haleluia. Being with Jesus is eternal life. Paradise is a place where those of faith went, awaiting the coming of the savior. Paradise was close to hell but separated by a gulf.
Luke 16:20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Luke 16:21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Luke 16:23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
The Veil is rent
Luke 23:44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.
The sixth hour after sunrise. It was around noon time, the brightest time of day, normally.
Luke 23:45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst.
Luke speaks of two things that occurred, perhaps at the same time. The sun was darkened, the light of the world hung on the cross, his breath was about to expire. The darkness of evil seemed to be replacing the world's light.
The veil of the temple, the veil that separated man from the most sacred place of the temple was rent in two. This was a very thick woven material. No man could tear it and no man did tear it. It was torn from above, perhaps by an angel at God's command. What did this mean?
The veil of the temple, the veil that separated man from the most sacred place of the temple was rent in two. This was a very thick woven material. No man could tear it and no man did tear it. It was torn from above, perhaps by an angel at God's command. What did this mean? The veil of God's holy temple, the body of Jesus Christ was torn to give us access to God's Holy place. He took our sins away. No sin can enter the holy place of God. Now we in Christ Jesus may boldly enter into the holy of holies.
Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
He gave his spirit to the Father: he gave up the ghost.
The Greek word for spirit: pneuma, means wind. The Greek word for Ghost was: Ehpno, to breath out.
Jesus commended his spirit to the Father from where he came; and he expired, he breath out the last breath from the cross.
Luke 23:47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.
The Centurion believed on Jesus, possibly himself being saved, forgiven of his sins. As Jesus spoke earlier that the Father forgive them. Belief in Jesus was required.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.
Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.
Perhaps they pondered in their hearts what this meant? The resurrection was yet to come.
Joseph of Arimathea
Luke 23:50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin council, he is described as a good righteous man. Righteousness comes by faith in the promised redeemer.
Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
He was not with the council in their complete agreement to kill Jesus. He believed in and anticipated the coming kingdom of God.
Luke 23:52 This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
He asked for the body of Jesus, the Spirit had returned to the Father.
Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
He descended in spirit to paradise releasing some or all the old testament saints who trusted in his coming. Those of old who were righteous went to paradise and those not of faith were in hell.
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
The good news is when we die believing in Jesus, we go to him.
2 Cor 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Phil 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Joseph prepared the body for burial
Luke 23:53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid.
This was a fulfillment of a prophecy.
Isa 53:8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Isa 53:9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
His grave was among the wicked thieves, on the cross, yet he was laid in a rich mans new tomb, where no dead had been. For his body would not see corruption.
Psa 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Hell in this verse is sheol, also translated the grave; among the dead.
Joseph wrapped his body in white linen. John's gospel brings in another righteous member of the council with burial spices, the pharisee Nicodemus.
John 19:39 And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.
It was Nicodemus, who believed that Jesus had come from God. Jesus had responded to him:
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
So Jesus would come from the grave a new creation, born again, the first born of a new spirit man. We follow him, being born again of God's spirit, forever alive with him in our new Spirit bodies in glory.
Preparation
Luke 23:54 And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
The day of preparation of the Passover dinner. The sabbath is any holy day. especially the Saturday sabbath which is observed from Friday sundown until Saturday sundown. Tradition has us remembering the crucifixion of Jesus Christ as a Good Friday service. Some believe that the Passover, a holy day sabbath was on a Thursday. He would arise from the grave on the third day, Sunday.
Luke 23:55 And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid.
Faithful women, which probably included the woman who anointed his feet with precious ointment and her tears, for his burial.
Mat 26:12 For in that she hath poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Mat 26:13 Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Luke 23:56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
The women kept the Sabbath and returned Sunday morning. They were ready to tend to the body of Jesus, after their manner. Joseph had wrapped the body and Nicodemus had supplied the burial spices. The cave tomb door would be secured with a large stone, with the seal of Pilate and with Roman guards. No one would be able to get inside the tomb, but God is not bound. He is able to do the impossible; expect a miracle.
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