Matthew 27:57-61
57 When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. 59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb.
Tomorrow is Saturday, July 31st. While this day may remarkable for many things, it is also the day that the church remembers Joseph of Arimathea, the man who took responsibility for the burial of Jesus’ body after his crucifixion. What do we know about this man?
Joseph was a man of some means and social standing. He is called a disciple of Jesus and one who didn’t approve of the council’s action in condemning Jesus to death. He saw to it that Jesus body was not desecrated. Since time was short, due to the sabbath, he put Jesus body in his own new tomb and rolled a great stone over the entrance.
Many other stories and traditions surrounding Joseph have been told over the years, but this core of His witness as recorded in the Bible still stands as the most significant. What is significant about Joseph’s witness? When all were hiding in fear, Joseph stood up publicly for the Lord and did what was right and proper.
This is a profound witness for us to commemorate today. In our would fear still reigns. And those who would oppose and desecrate the name of Jesus still use intimidation and threats to silence the Gospel. Today this is called self-censorship. Yet, God is greater than all threats and will continue to provide faithful servants to point the world to Jesus.
The enemies of Jesus were certainly frightening. They did manage to orchestrate Jesus’ crucifixion. But, God used their actions to work out the forgiveness of sins for all who trust in Jesus. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross stands as the one salvation for all and is offered to all through faith alone.
Actually, Joseph’s faithful act of burial endured but for a few days. But, this wasn’t due to the threats of Jesus’ enemies. Not at all! In the end the guards would be scattered and the heavy stone would be cast aside at the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Jesus enemies, along with sin, death, and devil would themselves be defeated.
May God grant each of us a bold faith like Joseph of Arimathea.
Let us pray
Lord I thank you for preserving in your Holy Word the faithful actions of your servant Joseph. Help me to be faithful and bold as I pursue the calling you have given to me. I ask this in your name. AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.