When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple. He went to Pilate and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. Matthew 27:57,58
So where did this brave man come from? Roman soldiers usually disposed of bodies of crucifixion victims on a nearby garbage dump, and they usually stood for no interference in their tasks. When the Lord Jesus died, the disciples were nowhere near, and the few frightened women who were watching from a safe distance were in no state to come forward to claim the body. So where did Joseph come from, and who was he. Some traditions suggest he was one of the 70 servants that the Lord Jesus sent forth in Luke 10, but that appears unlikely because John tells us he was a secret disciple because of fear of the Jews. Our text identifies him as a rich man, and he is elsewhere identified as a councillor, probably a member of the Sanhedrin and a companion of Nicodemus. But when an important task was needed, God had His man ready to act.
Joseph’s intervention is almost miraculous when we consider the unlikeliness for a decent burial for the Lord Jesus. Even if they were willing, the disciples or the women would have been unable to convince Pilate to give them the body, unable to find a suitable burial place, and unable to properly prepare the body. But Joseph and Nicodemus were men with substantial influence, and Pilate would have listened to them, although their audience with Pilate probably produced rage among the other councillors. Joseph’s wealth meant a sepulchre was available, and burial preparations were not a problem. What was needed was for Joseph’s former timidity to be overcome, and for his devotion and generosity to be fully expressed. John tells us that Joseph’s appeal to Pilate weas made boldly, and the burial arrangements were undoubtedly very costly. This was the only time that the Son of God would require a burial and a tomb, and God made certain it would happen. God can also supply what he needs today, despite the apparent reluctance of His people.
A glance through the most recent edition of Horizons magazine makes it apparent that missionary work is comtinuing in faraway and difficult places. People there need to hear the Gospel, and faithful men and woman have gone to tell it. God has provided, although the need is great for more labourers. Assemblies face soaring costs associated with holding conferences for the Lord’s people. But God has provided, and the conferences are a great blessing. God will not halt His program because of reluctance or selfishness on our part; He will embolden the workers He needs, and He will open the purses of those with the resources needed.
Does the example of Joseph of Arimathaea make any impression on us today? -Jim MacIntosh