"And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took away his body.

39 And there came also Nicodemus, he who at the first came to him by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds." John 19:38-39 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus lying on the ground as his mother, Mary, weeps over him. Joseph of Arimathaea is removing the crown of thorns and Nicodemus is mourning behind Jesus' head. Three other women are also on their knees, mourning Jesus' death. The ground is wet with Jesus' blood.

Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross and is Attended by Mary, Joseph of Arimathaea, and Nicodemus

"And after these things Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the…

"So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb wherein was never man yet laid. There then because of the Jews' Preparation (for the tomb was nigh at hand) they laid Jesus." John 19:40-42 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus' body being laid in the tomb after being wrapped in linens and anointed with oil and perfume. One man lowers Jesus' upper body into the tomb, while another holds a torch. Cloth is laid underneath him and flows down the sides of the sepulchre. A woman drapes herself over the body. His mother, Mary, and two other women huddle in the corner.

Jesus' Body is Prepared for Burial and Laid in a Sepulchre

"So they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the…

"this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where never man had yet lain." Luke 23:52-53 ASV
<p>Illustration of John, Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, the Virgin Mary, and Joseph of Arimathea placing the body of Jesus into an open tomb.

The Body of Jesus is Placed in a Tomb

"this man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. And he took it down, and wrapped it in a…

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." Luke 7:37-38 ASV
<p>Illustration of Mary Magdalene drying Jesus' feet with the hair on her head, after she washed them with her tears and before she anointed them. The Pharisee named Simon is sitting next to Jesus. Several other guests sitting around a banquet table, discussing the scene. An open window in the background reveals palm trees and some buildings.

Mary Magdalene Washes Jesus' Feet with Her Tears, Wipes Them with Her Hair, and Anoints Them with Perfume

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in…

"Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them told these things unto the apostles. And these words appeared in their sight as idle talk; and they disbelieved them. But Peter arose, and ran unto the tomb; and stooping and looking in, he seeth the linen cloths by themselves; and he departed to his home, wondering at that which was come to pass." Luke 24:10-12
<p>Illustration of Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and Peter marveling at Jesus' death linens in his empty tomb. The entrance to the cave can be seen behind the group.

Peter Finds the Tomb of Jesus Empty

"Now they were Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James: and the other women with them…

"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." Matthew 28:5-7 KJV

The Angel and Women at the Empty Tomb

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was…

"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, while they were perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel:

5 and as they were affrighted and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?" Luke 24:3-5 ASV
<p>Illustration of three women finding an empty tomb when they come to see Jesus. One woman carries a jar. Another leans slightly over the empty tomb. Two angels stand at the end of the tomb, one holding an olive branch. The opening to the cave is uncovered and the lid to the tomb is off.

Mary Magdalene, Mary the Mother of James, and Salome Find Jesus' Empty Tomb

"And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, while they were…

"Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons." Mark 16:9 ASV
<p>Illustration of Mary, fallen on her knees, at Jesus' feet as He rounds a corner and walks towards her. Two angels holding olive branches, sit behind her, at the entrance to the empty tomb. Rays of light emanate from Jesus' head. He is carrying the banner of the cross.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene After His Resurrection

"Now when he was risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from…

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth 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 hast borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turneth herself, and saith unto him in Hebrew, Rabboni; which is to say, Teacher. Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." John 20:14-17 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene outside of his tomb as an angel sits nearby, watching. Jesus holds the cross-banner in his left hand and Mary kneels on his right. A jar sits on the ground. A fence is in the background.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene Outside the Tomb

"When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and beholdeth Jesus standing, and knew not that it…

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Pinacoteca of Bologna.

Saint Cecilia Listening to the Singing of Angels

From a Painting by Raphael, in the Pinacoteca of Bologna.

"And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left." Mark 15:27 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus on the cross with a robber on his left and right. Mary Magdalene is at Jesus' feet. Jesus' mother, Mary, stands at the foot of the cross with another woman. Soldiers cast lots for Jesus' clothing (left). A soldier with a spear stands beside the cross.

The Crucifixion of Jesus with Two Robbers

"And with him they crucify two robbers; one on his right hand, and one on his left." Mark 15:27 ASV…