Daily Devotional
Joseph of Arimathea
“After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So, he came and took the body of Jesus” (John 19:38).
The Jewish Sanhedrin—with similarities to our Supreme Court— consisted of a council of seventy members, as well as a chosen lead- er who was often the high priest. The idea for the Sanhedrin probably came from the time of Moses, when seventy elders were chosen to help the beloved patriarch judge the people of Israel after the exodus from Egypt.
In order to become a member of the Sanhedrin at the time of Christ, you had to be a married man in good standing in the community. Elders of the people, lawyers, the wealthy, and those related to the high priest had the best chance of achieving this honoured position.
During the illegal trial of Jesus, the Sanhedrin convened, but with at least two prominent members missing—and not by chance. One of those was Joseph of Arimathea.
This righteous man had spoken out in defence of Christ during previous sessions of the Sanhedrin. Although he was a disciple of Jesus, he kept this fact secret so he could remain as a member of the council. He was appalled by the evil sentiments rising against the Messiah, and he hoped he could influence his fellow judges against a wrong path. Aware of his position, the leaders of the Sanhedrin purposely left him out of the trial.
Unable to prevent the murder of Christ, Joseph stepped forward after His crucifixion. The disciples were afraid the hateful Jewish leaders would try to prevent anyone from giving Jesus a proper burial. However, since Joseph was acquainted with Pilate, he was able to obtain official permission from the ruler to bury Him. Then, along with Nicodemus, Joseph wept over the body of the Saviour and gave Jesus an honourable burial in Joseph’s own tomb.
Joseph of Arimathea risked his position and his life in order to honour Jesus any way he could, even in His death. Are we as determined to honour the risen Christ in our lives right now?
Dear Jesus, may my every thought, word, and action honour You above all else today.
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