We should gather several bits of valuable information from this verse. (1) Jesus died more quickly than most facing crucifixion—the brutal treatment with his beating and scourging, something most who were crucified did not endure, took a heavy physical toll on Jesus' body. (2) Jesus was clearly and legally confirmed dead by those experienced in the work of torture and death. (3) Joseph could not remain a "closet follower of Jesus" and pick up his body—he had to request it from the one who gave permission for Jesus to be crucified, Pilate himself. These three facts help us know with certainty (1) that Jesus endured a horribly punishing death, (2) that there was no doubt that he died, and (3) yet that his death summoned up something deep within people that touched them and moved them to honor him. While the first three facts are historically important, these last three must be spiritually important to us and move us to honor him with our lives today.