Joseph of Arimathea AKA Joseph
Joseph of Arimathea AKA Joseph.
Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin. What was the Sanhedrin?
”The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they could find none.“
The Sanhedrin was the ruling council of the time. It was only limited by the power the Roman government granted to it. It would be equal to our major denomination’s general council where they make rules for their church denominations but have to work within the laws of the land. So the Sanhedrin set up rules for the Jewish synagogue but had to abide by the rules of the Romans (see John 18:31)
So then Joseph was a prominent member. He had a position of power so why did he not put a stop to Jesus’ trial? There are maybe three explanations. First, he was not there. Matthew tells us he was Jesus’s disciple. Second, he only had one vote and was overruled. Luke tells us he had not agreed to their plan and action. Third, he did not speak up for fear of being put out of the Sanhedrin. John tells us he was secretly Jesus’ disciple.
”When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.“
”There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God.“
Luke 23:50-51 HCSB
”After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus — but secretly because of his fear of the Jews — asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus’ body. Pilate permitted him, so he came and took His body away. Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Then they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews.“
John 19:38-40 HCSB
But when it came time for action he left the Sanhedrin and went to Pilate to ask to bury Jesus. Jesus’ disciples were scattered and sacred. His family was broken. There was no plan and organization for how to bury Jesus. But God was moving in the hearts of Joseph and Nicodemus (more on Nicodemus see John chapter 3). To buy linen, myrrh, and aloes. To work in the evening of Friday to get Jesus down and in the grave before sundown. To make sure his body was taken care of during burial.
And now Joseph’s life would change. He was out in the open taking care of Jesus. Would he be banned from the Sanhedrin? Would he lose the wealth he had saved up in the bank and trust of Jerusalem? Would he be labeled with the other followers of the Nazarene? That would be a big Yes to all those questions, but he would be gaining a new trust among the early church and a new bank in God.
Will we stand for God when the moment is right? The only way to know for sure is to stand up for God now in the little decisions among those who might do us harm.
” And I say to you, anyone who acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God, but whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.“
”But even if you should suffer for righteousness, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear or be disturbed, but honor the Messiah as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.“
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