“Secret Follower No More”
April 19, 2025
“50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 23:50-51)
Many inspirational figures emerge in the rich accounts of the Gospels. Among those, and one my personal favorites, is Joseph of Arimathea. While not as prominently featured as Peter or John, he was a man who played a crucial role in the narrative surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. His story is one of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith, embodying several virtues that Christianity cherishes.
When we think of the crucifixion story, we often stop at the cross and then fast-forward to the resurrection. But Joseph is a key figure between those moments whose courage and sacrifice are easy to miss. Joseph of Arimathea is described in the Gospels as a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council responsible for religious and legal matters. Despite his high status, he was also a secret disciple of Jesus, a role that carried significant implications during a time of political and religious unrest.
Joseph knew the Pharisees and the Sanhedrin saw Jesus as threatening their power. They watched Jesus like a hawk and looked for any opportunity to catch him in his words or break one of their many rules. Every time they spoke of him, their agenda became more apparent. Even the high priest, Caiaphas, admitted it would be “expedient” for Jesus to die for the people.
“It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.” (John 18:14)
As a member of the Sanhedrin, fear kept Joseph silent about following Jesus. However, when the Supreme Court of the land voted to get rid of Jesus, Joseph did not agree –”[Joseph] had not consented to their decision and action;” – Luke 23:51.
Joseph was further exposed as a follower of Jesus, when after Jesus’ crucifixion, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. While Romans did sometimes allow burials, particularly for those who were important or well-connected, the general practice was to leave crucified victims on display for public humiliation and as fodder for scavengers. But Joseph wanted to spare Jesus this indignity.
8 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was 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 away his body. (John 19:38)
Joseph of Arimathea disappeared from the biblical narrative after he rolled the stone across the entrance to his tomb, but his contribution to the story of the cross is hard to overestimate. His courage, his generosity, and his kindness are just a few virtues Joseph espoused.
Courage – Mark 15: 43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
Generosity – Matthew 27:59-60
59 And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.
Joseph had recently hewn out a grave for his family. Yet that investment was irrelevant to him when he could use his resources to provide some kindness to Jesus.
Kindness – Isaiah 53:9 “And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death.” Joseph’s part in providing a tomb for Jesus was all part of God’s divine plan as foretold by Isaiah.
May we count the cost of following Jesus and may we be openly courageous, generous, and kind as we do!