On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, "Where do you want us to get the Passover meal ready for you?"

It was toward evening when Joseph of Arimathea arrived. He was a respected member of the Council, who was waiting for the coming of the Kingdom of God. It was Preparation day (that is, the day before the Sabbath), so Joseph went boldly into the presence of Pilate and asked him for the body of Jesus.

It was Friday, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

Then they went back home and prepared the spices and perfumes for the body. On the Sabbath they rested, as the Law commanded.

It was then almost noon of the day before the Passover. Pilate said to the people, "Here is your king!"

Since it was the day before the Sabbath and because the tomb was close by, they placed Jesus' body there.

Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders made their plans against Jesus to put him to death.

They put him in chains, led him off, and handed him over to Pilate, the Roman governor.

Why do the nations plan rebellion? Why do people make their useless plots?

"Let us free ourselves from their rule," they say; "let us throw off their control."

Then he warns them in anger and terrifies them with his fury.

For indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together in this city with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Jesus, your holy Servant, whom you made Messiah.

They gathered to do everything that you by your power and will had already decided would happen.