Joseph of Arimathea Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46 Luke 23:50-53; John 19:38-42
Joseph of Arimathea we are informed by the Gospels that he was a rich man, coming of Arimathea, city of the Jews where he was born, being a good and just man that also awaited the kingdom of God. He was a
member of the Sanhedrin and had become a disciple of Jesus, but in hiding for fear of the Jews. However he ended up making a move that was worth him his celebrity, as we will see.
Jesus having been crucified, after His death His body was destined to be taken down from the cross and thrown into the rubbish in the “Valley of the son of Hinnom” to be burned. The Messiah's crucifixion had taken place on “Preparation Day”, preceding the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, in which all work was prohibited. The Jews would not admit anyone to remain on the cross on that Sabbath of the Feast.
Twilight was approaching, and it was then that Joseph of Arimathea, taking courage, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. We can imagine the surprise of Pilate, and the insult to the Sanhedrin when this illustrious member of their brotherhood openly took the side of He who they had despised, insulted and shamefully crucified.
Pilate marvelled that this crucified Man was already dead. To make sure, Pilate called the centurion and received his confirmation of the fact, after having obtained proof by wounding His side. Pilate then ordered the corpse to be given to Joseph. Notice that Joseph asked for the body, but Pilate ordered them to give him the corpse: Pilate was absolutely sure that the body was really without life, contrary to what sceptics have been affirming, even in our days.
Joseph bought a cloth of fine linen, and went over to the cross, accompanied by Nicodemus who had brought with him about a hundred pounds of a mixture of myrrh and aloes. In this we see the high opinion they held of the Lord Jesus, by providing the best that they could acquire for the preparation of His body for the grave. Until this time they had hidden their love for the Master, but now they would manifest it to all those present.
It was Joseph of Arimathea who personally removed the body from the cross and, with Nicodemus, wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, as the Jews used to do in preparation for the grave, in order to delay corruption. But there would be no corruption.
For the burial of the Messiah of Israel there were no pomp and ceremonies as it is customary for important persons. Not even his relatives, disciples and other friends that had accompanied Him. All were invisible, distant, hidden by the fear of being apprehended and punished as accomplices. It is even more remarkable the absence of the apostles of the Lord Jesus, only the presence of Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph and James, called “the other Mary” by Matthew, is recorded. These women witnessed everything from beginning to end, becoming valuable witnesses for the report of all that happened. Here comes Joseph now. . .
"It's been a long day! I can hardly believe the day started so early in Pilate's court. So much has happened! What cruelty! My Lord, Jesus... whipped and scorned! My Lord ... nailed to a cross! My Lord ... dead!
"Yes, it's been a long day; a day that has me completely exhausted, emotionally as well as physically. I'm glad that Nicodemus helped me bury the Lord. What a suprise that was; Nicodemus is also a disciple of Jesus.
'Tm exhausted, but I feel like a newborn baby, alive and vibrant for the first time in my life. And I know why! I have made it known that I am a disciple of Jesus. Yes, it's true! I, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, head of a respected and well known Sadducean household, a man of wealth and influence, am a disciple of Christ. I want the entire world to know that I believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Promised One, the Messiah!
''I've known it for some time. I know that He is the Messiah. Why can't my brethren of the Council admit the truth? Why can't they open their Scriptures and see how Jesus has fulfilled the prophecies?
''Isaiah tells us that the Messiah will give sight to the blind, and hearing to the deaf; He will grant new strength to the legs of the lame, and the good news shall be proclaimed. Jesus has done that! When my brethren walk through the city and through the countryside, can't they hear the people shouting out that they or their relatives and friends can now see and hear...can now run and jump about on legs that used to be paralyzed? The good news is proclaimed joyfully that Jesus is here, healing and caring.
"Zechariah prophesied that the Messiah would arrive in Jerusalem in a lowly state riding on a colt, the foal of an ass. He did! Jesus did ride into Jerusalem just five days ago on that colt; people lining the streets and waving palm branches.
''But how can my brethren of the Council miss the sign that David gave to us? David, our national hero, prophesied that not one bone of the Messiah would be broken. If only they would have opened their eyes, they would have perceived that the soldiers did not break the legs of Jesus to hasten his death. They didn't have to!
"On and on the Scriptures tell us how we can identify the Messiah. Our prophets have told us, and we failed to listen. Jesus has fulfilled the prophecies!
"I know that he is the Messiah. I've realized that I have been His disciple for some time... His secret, silent disciple. I was afraid! I would ... I have occasioned the hatred of the Council. They'11 ostracize me. Life will not be easy. Yet I feel like a baby, really alive for the very first time!
"I know what took away my fear. When Jesus cried out from His cross, 'I thirst,'; when the soldiers held up that sponge of gall and replied, 'Drink up!' I knew that I was thirsty. I have been thirsting for God ... for eternal life! Jesus hadbeen telling me and all the people, 'Drink up! Drink up!
I am the Living Water. Drink of Me and you will never thirst again.' '' My fear had been stopping me from quenching my thirst.
Now I am not thirsty any longer. Now the world knows that I, Joseph of Arimathea, am a disciple of the Messiah, the Son of God, Jesus of Nazareth!
"I can't wait! I can't wait for Sunday, the third day! Jesus plainly said that He would be put to death, and on the third day rise. I believe Him! He hasn't failed to keep one of His promises yet. Sunday will be glorious!!
"Maybe then my Council brethren will admit the truth. Maybe then they will share my joy and quench their own thirst. Oh, Sunday, hurry!!!"
Easter Sunday will soon be here. On that day, we will share the joy of Joseph of Arimathea; for on the day of Easter, we rejoice over our Lord's resurrection from the dead. The Lord lives and reigns! "He is risen; He is risen indeed!" is the happy news that we'll proclaim to one another.
Because He lives, we His children through faith will live with Him forever!
Many people are thirsting for eternal life. No doubt there are many people within your family circle , within the circle of your acquaintances who thirst for the living Lord. Share the good news with them ... and quench their thirst!
(Move toward the Altar] "Joseph, wait for us! We wish to
celebrate with you!''