'Dead!' - Mark 15:44-45

[When Joseph of Arimathea asked for Jesus' body,] Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body.

—Mark 15:44-45 NLT

Key Thought​

We should gather several bits of valuable information from these verses:

1. Jesus died more quickly than most facing crucifixion — the brutal treatment with his beating and scourging, something most who were crucified did not endure, took a heavy physical toll on Jesus' body. He died a horribly punishing death.
2. Jesus was clearly and legally confirmed dead by those experienced in the work of torture and death, so there was no doubt that he died.
3. Joseph could not remain a "closet" follower of Jesus and pick up his body — he had to request it from the one who gave permission for Jesus to be crucified, Pilate himself. Joseph's actions are just one example that Jesus' death summoned up something deep within people that touched them and moved them to honor him.

These facts are historically important and certified by witnesses, and they must be spiritually important to us and move us to honor him with our lives today.

Today's Prayer​

Father, thank you for Jesus' willingness to submit to such horrible suffering and death so that we — so that I — can be reconciled to you. Please help me to continually remember his sacrifice and let it be a continual reminder that I need to live my life as a daily praise to you and him. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings​

• Mark 10:32-34, 45
• John 12:20-33
• John 19:38-42

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Ⓒ 1996-2020 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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[Tovrun]

I also believe that in although Jesus was tortured and beaten that it was when the Father separated Himself from the Jesus, something that had never happened in all eternity past, their spiritual union was broken, and Christ said "my God my God why have you forsaken me." And at that point He said "in to your hand I commit my Spirit." and died. Amazing sacrifice Hallelujah. Thank you Jesus