Who requested Jesus' body for burial?

• A. Nicodemus
• B. Joseph of Arimathea
• C. Mary Magdalene
• D. Peter

Answer: (B)

The event hinges on recognizing who took the initiative to obtain Jesus’ body for proper burial. Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Jewish council who was secretly following Jesus, went to Pilate and requested Jesus’ body so it could be buried. Pilate granted the request, and Joseph prepared the body by wrapping it in clean linen with spices and laying it in his own new tomb. Nicodemus assists with the burial by bringing spices and helping with the wrapping, but it is Joseph who initiates the request to release the body. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary later observe the tomb, but they are witnesses rather than the one who requested the body.