The Courage of Faith: Joseph of Arimathea and the Preparation for Hope
"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. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 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. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." - Luke 23:50-56
In the shadow of the crucifixion, as darkness enveloped the scene and despair loomed heavy in the hearts of the disciples, a ray of courage pierced through in the form of a man named Joseph of Arimathea. The passage in Luke 23:50-56 brings us face to face with a man whose faithfulness and courage surged within a culture that was overwhelmingly hostile to Jesus. The scripture states, "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.” (Luke 23:50-51 KJV)
Joseph was not just any man but a prominent member of the Council, the same group that orchestrated the trial and execution of Jesus. We need to pause and reflect on the weight of his decision – to dissociate from the popular opinion and stand up for Jesus in this pivotal moment of need. How often are we faced with the pressure to conform to the actions or opinions of those around us? Joseph, by choice, stood apart. He took a stance for truth in the darkest hour, embodying a profound loyalty to Jesus and the kingdom that was to come. His actions remind us that true faith often calls for personal sacrifice and dissent against the majority.
The verse continues, emphasizing the heart of Joseph’s mission, "He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God." (Luke 23:51 KJV) Joseph lived in hopeful expectation of God’s promised kingdom. His actions towards Jesus’ body reveal not only a profound respect for Jesus but also a deep understanding of the significance of what was happening. He did not view the death of Christ as the end; rather, he saw it as a transition – a preparation for the glorious resurrection that he hoped for. This tension between waiting and hoping in God’s timing resonates deeply in our spiritual journey. How often do we become despondent when situations seem hopeless, forgetting that God is constantly working and preparing for His purpose in our lives?
Joseph's courage compelled him to confront Pilate and request Jesus’ body against the grain of societal expectations and consequences. "Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body." (Luke 23:52 KJV) This statement carries weight; this act of bravery demonstrated Joseph’s loyalty to Jesus even when it could lead to personal peril and loss of societal stature. His willingness to take the body of Jesus and wrap it in linen, placing Him in a tomb hewn from the rock, illustrates the care and reverence he had for his Lord. In our own lives, may we ask ourselves: do we treat our commitments to Christ with such honor and integrity? Are we willing to risk ostracism or uncertainty for the sake of our faith?
The passage draws in the women who had followed Jesus, who, in their grief and devotion, also played an essential role in this narrative. They observed how Joseph laid the body in the tomb, and, with a heart to serve, they prepared spices and perfumes for His anointing. But they, too, rested on the Sabbath, in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:54-56 KJV). The act of rest was just as significant as the preparation; it marked a time of pause to reflect on their hope, grief, and expectations.
As we meditate on this poignant moment in the narrative of Christ’s passion, let us carry the spirit of Joseph and the devoted women into our own lives. In our pursuit of the kingdom of God, may we be emboldened to be different, to stand for righteousness, to serve with humility, and to wait in hope for God's continual work. Let us embrace both our preparations and our periods of rest with the same anticipation of resurrection joy that filled Joseph’s heart, knowing that in Christ, all things – even death – lead to greater life.
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Luke 23:50-56 Artwork
Luke 23:50-56 - "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. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 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. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment."
"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. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 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. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment." - Luke 23:50-56
Luke 23:56 - "And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment."
Luke 23:50 - "¶ And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:"
"And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment." - Luke 23:56
Luke 23:55-56 - "The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment."
"¶ And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:" - Luke 23:50
Luke 7:50
Luke 7:50
Luke 12:50
Luke 7:36–50
Luke 1:56 - "And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house."
Luke 7:36-50
Luke 12:56 - "Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?"
Luke 9:56 - "For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village."
Luke 8:56 - "And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done."
Luke 2:50 - "And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them."
Luke 22:56 - "But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him."
Luke 1:50 - "And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation."
Luke 11:50 - "That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;"
Luke 22:50 - "¶ And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear."
Luke 7:50 - "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."
Luke 12:50 - "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"
Luke 9:50 - "And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us."
Luke 24:50 - "¶ And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them."
Jeremiah 50:23 - "How is the hammer of the whole earth cut asunder and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!"
Salmo 45, 2-3. 5-6. 8-9
Luke 8:50 - "But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole."
Psalms 50:23 - "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."
Luke 8:54-56 (KJVA) 54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. 55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. 56 And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.