Joseph went boldly to Pilate, and begged from him the body of Jesus. For the first time, Pilate learned that Jesus was really dead. Conflicting reports had reached him in regard to the events attending the crucifixion, but the knowledge of Christ's death had been purposely kept from him. Pilate had been warned by the priests and rulers against deception by Christ's disciples in regard to His body. Upon hearing Joseph's request, he therefore sent for the centurion who had charge at the cross, and learned for a certainty of the death of Jesus. He also drew from him an account of the scenes of Calvary, confirming the testimony of Joseph.

Men det var ikke spydstikket, og det var ikke korsets lidelse, som var årsag til Jesu død. Det råb, der lød "med høj røst" (Matt. 27, 50; Luk. 23,46) i dødsøjeblikket, og blodet og vandet, der flød fra hans side, fortalte, at han døde af et knust hjerte. Hans hjerte var knust af åndelig kval. Han blev dræbt af verdens synd.