John 19: 38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away.
Today, reading about the events of Good Friday, it is the actions of Joseph of Arimathea that speak to me. I didn’t realize he was a member of the council, the Sanhedrin, who disagreed with the decision and actions concerning Jesus. It didn’t sink in that he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. And while I’d heard of the expense of the tomb cut into the rock, I honestly hadn’t thought too much about it until now.
Luke 23:50-51 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.
It seems to me, in this scripture, these actions, that Jesus is reminding us of the importance of action in accordance with faith. Joseph was waiting for the kingdom of heaven, the disciples had temporarily slipped into doubt and confusion, so Joseph stepped forward in faith.
Luke 23:52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.
Lord, On this somber Saturday as we wait for the glorious news of Easter Sunday, thank You for the reminder of the importance of acting in faith. Thank You for the reminder that we all have a part to play, that our faithful actions work together for our good and Your glory. Thank You for the hope of Easter Sunday. Thank You. Amen.
Luke 23:53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.
Have a blessed day.