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Matthew 27:57-61
Jesus Is Buried When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 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. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were there, sitting opposite the tomb. |
Joseph of Arimathea
Good Friday ends with the burial of Jesus in His “borrowed” tomb. Jesus was buried outside the walls of Jerusalem, near the site of His crucifixion on Golgotha. Profoundly it is only a “borrowed” tomb for a few days, as He did not remain there.
That evening, after Jesus’ crucifixion, a rich man named Joseph of Arimathea (a city of Judea) came to Jerusalem. Joseph, who had become a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked to have Jesus' body. Pilate gave orders for the soldiers to give Jesus' body to him. Then Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a new linen cloth. He put Jesus' body in a new tomb that he had dug in a wall of rock. Then Joseph closed the tomb by rolling a very large stone to cover the entrance.
We normally don't think of many of the followers of Jesus as rich. Joseph was a good and righteous man who managed to be both a respected member of the religious ruling council but also a secret supporter of Jesus. He had not consented to the council’s decision which is why he did not join in the actions against Jesus. Joseph puts himself at significant risk by identifying himself with Jesus, one who was condemned to death by the council and the High Priest.
Joseph was willing to follow Jesus beyond the cross. What he did for Jesus was decent, loving, tender and right. What a fitting tribute Joseph’s actions were, honouring Jesus and showing his allegiance. A true disciple, not just involved but committed to take up his own cross and follow Jesus to the very end.
Help us to be like Joseph, decent, loving and tender when it is needed most and make us strong and faithful followers now and forever.
Campbell and Alison C