Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
Joseph of Arimathea, with deep faith of heart and great humility, took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth as a sign of perfect honor. This simple yet holy act testifies that love and reverence for Him continued even after death. The “clean linen cloth” symbolizes the innocence and holiness with which Christ went down to the tomb—spotless and pure, as a sacrificial lamb was offered. Joseph’s deed shows the believer’s obedience: the manner of serving the Lord in depth, without words. That Christ was honored with a clean linen cloth not only highlights His honorable burial, but also confirms the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9: “But with a rich man he was in his death.” Christ did not fall into a place of disgrace; rather, as we will see next, He came to rest in the tomb of a rich and honorable man. In Joseph’s hands there was no longer the body of a criminal condemned by the world, but the body of the Savior of the world, whom human hands covered with reverent fear.