When evening came, because it was the day of preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,
The mention of evening shows that Jesus’ body had to be buried quickly, because the Sabbath was approaching, and according to Jewish law the body of one who was crucified was not to remain on the tree overnight (Deuteronomy 21:22–23). The expression “day of Preparation” means the eve of the Sabbath, when the Jews beforehand finished the necessary tasks in order to keep the Sabbath in holiness (Exodus 20:8–11). Yet this detail of time is not only historical information; it shows that God’s providence was directing even the hour of Christ’s burial. He truly died, and His body had to be placed in the tomb. The story of the cross does not end only at the moment of death, but continues with the real and visible testimony of burial, so that afterward Christ’s resurrection may appear as a victorious emergence from real death and a real tomb.