38. When Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces. The tear started at the top and tore all the way to the bottom.
39. The army officer who was standing there in front of the cross saw what happened when Jesus died. The officer said, “This man really was the Son of God!”
40. Some women were standing away from the cross, watching. Among these women were Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James and Joses. (James was her youngest son.)
41. These were the women who had followed Jesus in Galilee and cared for him. Many other women who had come with Jesus to Jerusalem were also there.
42. This day was called Preparation day. (That means the day before the Sabbath day.) It was becoming dark.
43. A man named Joseph from Arimathea was brave enough to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body. Joseph was an important member of the high council. He was one of the people who wanted God’s kingdom to come.
44. Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead. So he called for the army officer in charge and asked him if Jesus was already dead.
45. When Pilate heard it from the officer, he told Joseph he could have the body.
46. Joseph bought some linen cloth. He took the body from the cross, wrapped it in the linen, and put the body in a tomb that was dug in a wall of rock. Then he closed the tomb by rolling a large stone to cover the entrance.
47. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw the place where Jesus was put.