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The Burial & Resurrection of Jesus Christ

Modern King James Version  ·  Matthew, Mark, Luke & John

Section I

The Burial of Jesus Christ

All verses from the four Gospels recording the burial of the Lord

The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 27:57–58
When the evening had come, a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph came, who also himself was Jesus' disciple. He went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered.
Matthew 27:59–60
And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.
Matthew 27:61
And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre.
Matthew 27:62–65
Now the next day, that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.
Matthew 27:66
So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

The Gospel of Mark
Mark 15:42–44
And now when the evening was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.
Mark 15:45–46
And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre.
Mark 15:47
And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid.

The Gospel of Luke
Luke 23:50–52
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just: (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. This man went unto Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus.
Luke 23:53–54
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. And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
Luke 23:55–56
And the women also, which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.

The Gospel of John
John 19:38
And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.
John 19:39–40
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. Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury.
John 19:41–42
Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews' preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand.
Section II

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

All verses from the four Gospels recording the Resurrection and appearances

The Gospel of Matthew
Matthew 28:1–4
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
Matthew 28:5–8
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
Matthew 28:9–10
And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Matthew 28:11–15
Now when they were going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and shewed unto the chief priests all the things that were done. And when they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave large money unto the soldiers, saying, Say ye, His disciples came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught: and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.
Matthew 28:16–20
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Gospel of Mark
Mark 16:1–4
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great.
Mark 16:5–7
And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you.
Mark 16:8
And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid.
Mark 16:9–11
Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
Mark 16:12–13
After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
Mark 16:14–18
Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
Mark 16:19–20
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

The Gospel of Luke
Luke 24:1–3
Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.
Luke 24:4–8
And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words.
Luke 24:9–12
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
Luke 24:13–16
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
Luke 24:30–32
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
Luke 24:36–43
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them his hands and his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. And he took it, and did eat before them.
Luke 24:50–53
And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

The Gospel of John
John 20:1–2
The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him.
John 20:3–10
Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, and the napkin, that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
John 20:11–16
But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
John 20:17–18
Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
John 20:19–20
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
John 20:24–29
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
John 21:1–4
After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself. There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing. They say unto him, We also go with thee. They went forth, and entered into a ship immediately; and that night they caught nothing. But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:14
This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead.
Section III

The Witnesses — Grouped Accounts

Named persons, guards, angels, and anonymous figures in the burial and resurrection narratives

Joseph of Arimathaea
Rich disciple — provided the tomb & arranged the burial
Matt 27:57–60
Begged Pilate for the body; wrapped it in clean linen; laid it in his own new hewn tomb and rolled a great stone to the door.
Mark 15:43–46
An honourable counsellor waiting for the kingdom of God; went boldly to Pilate and bought fine linen for the burial.
Luke 23:50–53
A good and just man who had not consented to the council's decision; personally took the body down and laid it in an unused tomb.
John 19:38
A secret disciple for fear of the Jews; obtained leave from Pilate and took away the body of Jesus.
Nicodemus
Secret disciple — brought burial spices
John 19:39–40
Came first to Jesus by night; brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight. Together with Joseph wound the body in linen with the spices according to Jewish burial custom.
Mary Magdalene
Faithful follower — first witness of the Resurrection
Matt 27:61 · Mark 15:47
Sat opposite the sepulchre watching where Jesus was laid.
John 20:1–2, 11–18
Arrived while it was still dark; ran to tell Peter and John; wept at the tomb; was the first to see the risen Christ, who called her by name: "Mary."
Mark 16:9
Jesus appeared first to her after rising; she told the mourning disciples, who did not believe her.
Mary, Mother of James
Faithful follower — witness to burial & resurrection morning
Matt 27:61
Sat opposite the sepulchre at the burial alongside Mary Magdalene.
Matt 28:1 · Mark 15:47 · 16:1
Came at dawn to the tomb; saw where the body had been laid; returned with spices; received the angel's message and met the risen Jesus.
Salome
Disciple-woman — came to anoint the body
Mark 16:1
Bought sweet spices with the Marys to come anoint Jesus; entered the empty tomb and heard the angel's proclamation.
Joanna
Disciple-woman — witness of the empty tomb
Luke 24:10
One of the women from Galilee who returned from the tomb and reported the resurrection to the eleven apostles, whose words "seemed to them as idle tales."
Simon Peter
Apostle — ran to the tomb; saw the grave-clothes
Luke 24:12
Arose and ran to the sepulchre; stooped and saw the linen clothes lying by themselves; departed wondering.
John 20:3–7
Ran with John to the tomb; entered first and examined the linen clothes and the folded head-napkin lying separately.
John — the Beloved Disciple
Apostle — outran Peter; saw and believed
John 20:3–8
Outran Peter to the tomb but waited at the entrance; upon entering after Peter, saw the grave-clothes and believed. The text notes they had not yet understood the Scripture that he must rise.
Thomas (Didymus)
Apostle — doubted; then confessed "My Lord and my God"
John 20:24–28
Absent at the first appearance; declared he would not believe without physical proof. Eight days later Jesus appeared again; Thomas saw, touched, and confessed: "My Lord and my God."
Cleopas & the Unnamed Disciple
Disciples — encountered the risen Christ on the Emmaus road
Luke 24:13–32
Walked to Emmaus not recognising Jesus; their hearts burned as he opened the Scriptures; they recognised him at the breaking of bread — and he vanished.
Pontius Pilate
Roman Governor — released the body; granted the guard
Matt 27:58, 62–65
Granted Joseph the body; gave the chief priests a watch to secure the tomb: "Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can."
Mark 15:44–45
Marvelled that Jesus was already dead; verified this through the centurion before releasing the body.
The Centurion
Roman officer — verified the death of Jesus to Pilate
Mark 15:44–45
Questioned by Pilate concerning Jesus' death; confirmed he was dead, enabling Joseph to receive the body.
The Roman Guard (Watch)
Soldiers — sealed the tomb; witnessed the resurrection; bribed to lie
Matt 27:65–66
Set by Pilate at the chief priests' request; sealed the stone and kept watch at the sepulchre.
Matt 28:4
Shook with fear and became as dead men when the angel descended and rolled back the stone.
Matt 28:11–15
Reported to the chief priests; were bribed with large money to spread the story that the disciples stole the body while they slept.
The Angel(s) of the Lord
Heavenly messengers — rolled back the stone; proclaimed the Resurrection
Matt 28:2–7
One angel descended in an earthquake; countenance like lightning, raiment white as snow; rolled back the stone; told the women "He is not here: for he is risen."
Mark 16:5–7
A young man in a long white garment inside the tomb; directed the women to tell the disciples, and especially Peter.
Luke 24:4–7
Two men in shining garments asked "Why seek ye the living among the dead?" and recalled Jesus' own prediction of his resurrection.
John 20:12–13
Two angels in white sat where Jesus had lain — one at the head, one at the feet — and asked Mary Magdalene why she wept.
Chief Priests & Pharisees
Religious leaders — requested the guard; orchestrated the cover-up
Matt 27:62–64
Went to Pilate the day after the crucifixion to request the tomb be sealed against any claim of resurrection.
Matt 28:11–13
Met with the elders after hearing the guards' report; gave large money to the soldiers and instructed them to spread the lie of a stolen body.
The Eleven Disciples
Apostles — initially unbelieving; received the Great Commission
Luke 24:9–11
Heard the women's report of the empty tomb; regarded their words as idle tales and believed them not.
Luke 24:36–43
Terrified when Jesus stood in their midst; he showed his hands and feet and ate fish before them as proof of his bodily resurrection.
Matt 28:16–20
Met the risen Christ in Galilee; some still doubted; received the Great Commission to disciple all nations.
Other Women from Galilee
Anonymous disciples — witnessed the burial; prepared spices
Luke 23:55–56
Followed Joseph and beheld how the body was laid; returned to prepare spices and ointments, then rested on the Sabbath.
Luke 24:1, 10
Came to the tomb with the prepared spices; reported the resurrection to the apostles alongside the named women.
Section IV

Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled

Prophetic Scriptures anticipated in the burial and resurrection accounts of the four Gospels

OT Prophecy
Burial with the Rich
Isaiah 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.
Gospel Fulfilment
Laid in a rich man's tomb
Matthew 27:57–60
Joseph of Arimathaea — a rich man — wrapped Jesus in clean linen and laid him in his own new tomb hewn out of rock.
OT Prophecy
No Bone Broken
Psalm 34:20 · Exodus 12:46
He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Neither shall ye break a bone thereof.
Gospel Fulfilment
Legs not broken at the cross
John 19:33, 36
When they came to Jesus and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs… that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
OT Prophecy
Soul not left in Sheol
Psalm 16:10
For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Gospel Fulfilment
Body did not decay — He is risen
Mark 16:6 · Luke 24:6
The angel declared: "He is not here: he is risen." The body was not found; the Holy One saw no corruption.
OT Prophecy
Three Days & Three Nights
Jonah 1:17
Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Gospel Fulfilment
The Sign of Jonah fulfilled
Matt 27:63 · 28:6
The chief priests recalled: "After three days I will rise again." The angel confirmed on the third day: "He is risen, as he said."
OT Prophecy
Thirty Pieces of Silver
Zechariah 11:12–13
So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver… Cast it unto the potter in the house of the LORD.
Gospel Fulfilment
Potter's field bought with betrayal silver
Matthew 27:3–10
Judas cast down the thirty pieces of silver; the priests bought the potter's field. Matthew records this as fulfilling what was spoken by the prophet.
OT Prophecy
Pierced — Mourned Over
Zechariah 12:10
And they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son.
Gospel Fulfilment
Side pierced; wounds shown as proof
John 19:34–37 · 20:20, 27
A soldier pierced Jesus' side. John records this fulfils Scripture. The risen Jesus showed his disciples his pierced hands and side; Thomas was invited to touch the wounds.
OT Prophecy
Scattered Shepherd — Scattered Flock
Zechariah 13:7
Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.
Gospel Fulfilment
Disciples fled; re-gathered at Resurrection
Matt 26:31 · 28:10, 16
Jesus himself quoted this prophecy the night of his betrayal. After the resurrection the scattered flock was re-gathered to him in Galilee as he had promised.
OT Prophecy
The Stone the Builders Rejected
Psalm 118:22
The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.
Gospel Fulfilment
Rejected, crucified, raised as Lord
Luke 20:17 · Mark 16:19
Jesus applied this Psalm to himself before his passion. After the resurrection he was received up into heaven and sat at the right hand of God — exalted as the cornerstone.
OT Prophecy
Buried with Honour — Costly Spices
Psalm 45:8
All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia.
Gospel Fulfilment
Buried with a hundred pounds of spices
John 19:39–40
Nicodemus brought about a hundred pound weight of myrrh and aloes; the body was wound in linen with the spices — befitting the King of Israel.
OT Prophecy
All Power Given to the Risen Son
Daniel 7:13–14 · Psalm 2:7–8
There was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom… his dominion is an everlasting dominion. Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance.
Gospel Fulfilment
All authority given — Great Commission
Matthew 28:18–20
The risen Christ declared: "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations." The universal dominion of Daniel's Son of Man is claimed and the nations made his inheritance.