Jesus In India — Page 44
34 JESUS IN INDIA sepulchre. And this is a very grand secret by paying attention to which, researchers can arrive at a magnificent conclusion. And from among the testimonies found in the Gospels are those words of Pilate, which are recorded in the Gospel of Mark, and they are: And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead. (Mark 16: 42-44)¹ From this we draw the conclusion that suspicion had risen at the very moment of crucifixion as to whether Jesus, the Messiah, had actually died, and note also that the suspicion was raised by a per- son who knew well enough how long it took for a person to die on the cross. And from among the testimonies found in the Gospels is also the following statement that I write below: The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sab- bath day (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs 1. This seem a misprint in the first edition. The correct reference is Mark 15:42-44. [Publisher]