(a) The roles of Joseph of Arimathea and the women in the burial of Jesus:
(i) When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, (named Joseph), who was a disciple of Jesus.
(ii) He was a respected and upright member of the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) and was looking for the kingdom of God.
(iii) At the trial of Jesus, he was said to be opposed to the action of the Sanhedrin in condemning Jesus.
(iv) After the crucifixion, he went to Pilate in the evening and asked for the body of Jesus.
(v) He took the body, wrapped it in a clean shroud, and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn in the rock.
(vi) He rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.

(a) (ii) The Women:
(i) There were also many women there looking on from afar who had followed Jesus from Galilee ministering to him.
(ii) Among them were, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.
(iii) There were also many other women who accompanied him to Jerusalem.
(iv) When the body of Jesus was later taken down from the cross and buried in the tomb, the women were around and knew the location of the tomb.

(b) Significance of Joseph's Action:
(i) He was a true friend (a friend in need).
(ii) He made up for the friendship denied Jesus by his enemies.
(iii) It would be sad to allow Jesus' body to be left hanging on the cross till the Sabbath day as if he were a common criminal.
(iv) It would be worse still if it was left till the Passover night when the Paschal lamb was being slain.
(v) He could not allow Jesus' body to be buried in a common burial place meant for criminals.
(vi) As a mark of his faith in Jesus, he had to honour him by burying him in a new grave.