A Brave Burial Move | Mark 15:42–47

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every day.

Today’s shout-out goes to Bill Rowekamp from Winona, MN. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in Project 23. This one's for you.

Our text today is Mark 15:42–47:

And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid. — Mark 15:42–47

As the sun set on Preparation Day, most hurried home to observe the Sabbath. But Joseph of Arimathea paused. A respected council member and secret follower of Jesus, he summoned the courage to approach Pilate. He simply asked: “May I have the body of Jesus?”

Pilate, surprised that Jesus was already dead, confirmed with the centurion before granting the request. Joseph then wrapped Jesus’ body in fine linen and laid him in his own new tomb, carved from solid rock. Two women, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses, watched quietly, memorizing each detail.

Grief often hides in the shadows of ordinary life. Yet Joseph’s example reminds us that faith sometimes calls us out of our comfort zones. He treated Jesus’ body with dignity, even when others averted their eyes.

In moments of loss—whether a friend’s pain, a broken dream, or personal suffering—we can step forward with acts of compassion. Here are three things everyone can do:

Offer a listening ear.
Bring a meal or a kind note.
Sit in silence and presence.

These small gestures honor the heartache of others and point them to hope beyond sorrow. I have watched these seemingly insignificant actions bear much fruit. So do not hesitate to make a simple, bold move today.

#BurialOfHonor, #Mark15, #CompassionInAction

ASK THIS:

What might have kept Joseph from going to Pilate—and what gave him courage?
How does honoring Jesus in death shape our view of His sacrifice?
Who in your life needs your presence most right now?
What simple act of compassion can you offer this week?

DO THIS:

Think of someone in your life who’s grieving or struggling. Reach out today—send a text, make a call, or drop off a small gift—and simply say, “I’m here with you.”

PRAY THIS:

Jesus, thank you for your tender care even in death. Give me courage to step into others’ pain and offer compassion that points them back to You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

"In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found)."