“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, 43) Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy and honored member of the Jewish council. He was also a secret disciple of Jesus. (John 19:38) Is it not interesting, the disciples who had publicly followed Jesus fled, but Joseph boldly took a stand that could cost him dearly. He cared enough about Jesus to ask for His body so he, along with Nicodemus, could give it a proper burial. Joseph risked his reputation to give a proper burial to his Lord. For many of us it is frightening to risk one’s reputation even for what is right. If your Christian witness endangers your reputation, think about Joseph. There will come a time when we must boldly, courageously take a stand for our Lord. There can be no “secret” disciples, we must be, as Joseph and Nicodemus, totally committed to him. Matthew’s gospel tells us that “And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it is a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock:”. (vs. 59, 60) In addition to his devotion, Joseph gave to Jesus his own “new tomb.” This reminds this Pastor of David’s acquisition of Araunah’s threshingfloor as recorded in 2 Samuel 24:24: “neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” Like David, Joseph demonstrated his commitment to the Lord.
How do you show your commitment to Him?
Pastor J. Amos Jones
