The death of Jesus brought out the courage in some of his followers among the Jewish leaders. One was Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple on the Sanhedrin who had opposed the sentence of death for Jesus. Joseph "went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body" (Mark 15:43). Pilate was surprised that Jesus had died so quickly, but granted Joseph's request. Joseph brought some linen cloth, wrapped the body, and placed it in his own tomb. He was helped by Nicodemus, the Pharisee who had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes, which the the two men placed in strips of clean linen cloth and wrapped around the body. When they finished, a large stone was rolled across the entrance to the tomb.

Further plans were made to tend the body when the Sabbath had ended. But remembering how Jesus had said he would rise after three days, the religious authorities went to Pilate to ask that a guard be posted at the tomb to prevent the disciples from stealing the body. Pilate agreed (Matthew 27:65). They put a seal on the stone and posted guard.