Daily Devotional for Thursday, November 16

Joseph of Arimathaea

“Joseph of Arimathæa, 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,” Mark 15:43-45.

Joseph of Arimathaea may have been part of the Jewish religious elite similar to Nicodemus. It is likely that he followed the ministry of Jesus closely, yet he kept his faith secretive due to his position. But after the Crucifixion, Joseph presented himself to Pilate and asked permission to give Jesus a proper and honorable burial. I wonder if the disciples already had dealings with him since they did not protest his involvement in such serious matters as Jesus’ burial.

Speculation aside, Scripture tells us that Joseph was waiting for the kingdom of God and was moved with compassion and faith to assist in the burial of Jesus. Offering his own family tomb would have been a tremendous act of love and kindness by Joseph. Can you imagine the quiet conversations and mourning as Joseph and the ladies helped prepare and bury Jesus’ body? This faithful group of followers loved Jesus and possibly wondered if He would truly rise again in three days.

If Joseph had kept his faith privately, the crucifixion of Jesus moved his faith to offer a public act of service. There may be some Christians who possess their faith in a private manner as Joseph. Possibly, reading this passage or meditating on the crucifixion may be what you need to live a public faith for Christ. Joseph had been anxiously awaiting the kingdom of God by faith, likely quietly pondering what he had seen Jesus do in His earthly ministry.

FINAL THOUGHT: If you contain your faith in Christ privately, may the example of Joseph stir you to live for Christ publicly.

Steven Ridings