A life that points to Christ
Joseph of Arimathea
From Joseph of Arimathea we learn that quiet, secret faith can find courage at the crucial moment, that we can use our resources and standing to honor Christ, and that following Jesus may cost us our reputation. His life teaches courageous devotion, and it points to the Savior worthy of open allegiance.
“Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.”Mark 15:43
“And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.”John 19:38
“And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:”Luke 23:50
“And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed.”Matthew 27:60
Their story, honestly
Joseph of Arimathea was a rich and respected member of the Jewish council, and secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the leaders. After the crucifixion, when the boldest disciples had scattered, Joseph went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, a public act that identified him openly with a condemned man. He took the body, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had prepared for himself. Nicodemus joined him, bringing spices. In doing so, Joseph gave up his own burial place for his Lord and stepped out of the shadows into open allegiance to Jesus at the very moment it was most dangerous.
What their life teaches us
First, Joseph teaches that hidden faith can become brave faith; the secret disciple found his courage precisely when others lost theirs, at the cross. Second, he teaches the generous use of what we have; he offered his wealth, his standing, and his own tomb to honor Jesus, holding his possessions loosely for his Lord. Third, he teaches that discipleship may cost us socially; by asking for the body, he risked his reputation and place on the council. Joseph shows that it is never too late to come out of the shadows, and that God often calls quiet believers to a bold act at just the right moment.
How their life points to Christ
Joseph laid Jesus in a new tomb where no one had lain, and from that borrowed grave Christ rose on the third day, so that Joseph's tomb became the site of the resurrection. His care for the body of Jesus fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be with the rich in His death. The secret disciple who finally stood up for Jesus points to the truth that Christ is worthy of our open allegiance, whatever it costs. Joseph gave a grave, and Jesus conquered it, teaching us that what we surrender to Christ becomes part of His victory.
Questions people ask
What does Joseph of Arimathea teach about courage?
That secret faith can find boldness at the crucial moment. He had followed Jesus quietly out of fear, but after the crucifixion, when others fled, he went openly to Pilate for Jesus' body, risking his reputation. He teaches that it is never too late to step out of the shadows into open allegiance to Christ.
Why did Joseph give his own tomb?
Out of devotion, using his wealth to honor Jesus. He laid Christ in a new tomb prepared for himself, and from it Jesus rose. It teaches generous, sacrificial use of what we have for the Lord, and it fulfilled the prophecy that the Messiah would be with the rich in His death.