Burial and Boldness: Lessons from Joseph of Arimathaea
"And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 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. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid." - Mark 15:42-47
As we delve into Mark 15:42-47, we encounter the poignant moment following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The events that transpired not only showcase the physical act of Jesus’ burial but also reveal profound truths about courage, honor, and faith.
The scripture begins, "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 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 15:42). Here, we are introduced to Joseph, a man described as honorable and a seeker of God’s kingdom. His status as a counsellor indicates he was part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, a member of a body that condemned Jesus to death.
Joseph’s response to the death of Jesus is striking. In a time when many disciples fled, fearing for their lives, Joseph stepped forward with remarkable boldness. His courage to approach Pilate is a testament to his deep conviction and faith. In Jewish culture, the burial of the dead was a significant act, showcasing respect for the deceased. Yet, for Joseph to request the body of Jesus from Pilate—who had ordered His execution—was an act fraught with danger. It could have cost him his status, his safety, or even his life.
Yet Joseph did not hesitate. He had been waiting for the kingdom of God, and in this decisive moment, he recognized that Jesus’ death was not the end, but a prelude to a divine plan. His actions reveal that genuine faith often requires stepping out from the shadows, and this can be a challenging path.
As the narrative unfolds, we see further commitment. "And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph" (Mark 15:44). Pilate's astonishment indicates that he was surprised at the swiftness of Jesus’ demise. The involvement of the Roman centurion emphasizes the gravity of authority and authenticity in the moment.
When Joseph learned that Jesus was indeed dead, his heart must have been heavy, yet he remained undeterred. Taking responsibility for the body of Jesus was not only an act of honor but also one of devotion. "And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre" (Mark 15:46). Joseph’s actions reflect a deep respect for Jesus, presented with care and dignity deserving of the Son of God.
Finally, Mark notes, "And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid" (Mark 15:47). The mention of the two Marys suggests the importance of women in this narrative, serving as witnesses to the burial of Christ. They remind us that amid despair, there is hope, and that love remains steadfast in the darkest hours.
As we reflect on Joseph of Arimathaea’s story, we are challenged to consider our own responses to Christ. Are we willing to take bold steps for our faith? Do we honor Jesus in our lives, recognizing the profound sacrifice He made for us? Joseph’s example teaches us that true honor comes from acting out of love and faith, willing to risk for the sake of the Gospel.
In a world that sometimes demands silence, may we find strength in Joseph’s courage. Let us approach Jesus with boldness and reflect His love, even in times of trial. Let us too wait for the kingdom of God, living with the assurance that His plans are greater than our understanding, and that through Him, we find our eternal hope.
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Mark 15:42-47 Artwork
Mark 15:42-47 - "And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 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. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
"And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, 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. And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he knew it of the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a sepulchre which was hewn out of a rock, and rolled a stone unto the door of the sepulchre. And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid." - Mark 15:42-47
Mark 15:47 - "And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid."
Mark 15:42 - "¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath,"
"And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses beheld where he was laid." - Mark 15:47
"¶ And now when the even was come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath," - Mark 15:42
Mark 6:47 - "And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land."
Mark 6:42 - "And they did all eat, and were filled."
Mark 14:47 - "And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear."
Mark 14:42 - "Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand."
Joshua 15:42 - "Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,"
Mark 1:42 - "And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed."
"And they did all eat, and were filled." - Mark 6:42
Mark 12:42 - "And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing."
Mark 5:42 - "And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment."
1 Corinthians 15:47 - "The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven."
Mark 10:47 - "And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me."
Mark 9:47 - "And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:"
"And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land." - Mark 6:47
"Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan," - Joshua 15:42
1 Corinthians 15:42 - "So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:"
Ezekiel 47:15 - "And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the great sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad;"
Mark 9:42 - "And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."
Joshua 15:47 - "Ashdod with her towns and her villages, Gaza with her towns and her villages, unto the river of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border thereof:"
Mark 15:12
"Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand." - Mark 14:42
Ezekiel 47:17 - "And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side."
"And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear." - Mark 14:47
Job 42:15 - "And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job: and their father gave them inheritance among their brethren."
Mark 15:25 - "And it was the third hour, and they crucified him."