Pilate was surprised to hear that Jesus was already dead.
    Pilate called the army officer that guarded Jesus. Pilate
    asked the officer if Jesus was already dead. The officer told
    Pilate that Jesus was dead. So Pilate told Joseph he could
    have the body.

                            -- Mark 15:44-45 (ERV)

We should gather several bits of valuable information from this verse.
First, 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. Second, Jesus was clearly and legally confirmed dead by those
experienced in the work of torture and death. Third, 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) 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

Father, make my life a daily praise unto you. In Jesus' name. Amen.