By Pastor Donald Prout (1931-2007)
from The Biblical Evangelist (see link at left for more like this excellent message)
A "splendid coward" is how one biographer describes him. He flits across the pages of Scripture so quickly we hardly see him. All we know concerning him takes place during a period of three hours – between the time of our Savior's death ... and His subsequent burial. But each Gospel writer sees fit to mention this man and the remarkable role he played in the events surrounding that first Easter.
His name? Joseph of Arimathea. A "splendid coward" indeed!
I. His Secret Discipleship
"And after this,” writes John – after the Savior has "yielded up the Ghost" and the Roman spear has been thrust into His side – "after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews …” (John 19:38).
A secret disciple? The words seem to contradict each other. Yet here it is engraved in the pages of Holy Writ. The God, who sees the heart, looked upon this man as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus.
Just nine hours previously the Sanhedrin had met to condemn Jesus to death – and Joseph was a member of that august body. Luke tells us, however, that "Joseph, a counsellor ... was a good man and just: (the same had not consented to the council and deed of them ... )" (Luke 23:50-51).
Does that mean, I wonder, that when the vote was taken he hung his head and hoped that none had noticed his hand was not raised? Or, maybe, only a quorum had been called to that sunrise gathering – and Joseph of Arimathea had not even been in attendance.
In either case, the record stands – a "secret disciple." Fear of what men might say; fear of loss of position; loss of friends; loss of popularity ... fear paralysed his testimony. A secret disciple!
Had you or I lived in far-off Jerusalem at that time and joined forces with the small band of believers we would have surely looked at this man and said: "He's not one of us." And we would have been wrong!
One is reminded of Lot in the Old Testament saga, devoid of testimony, living in an incredibly wicked environment, even suggesting to the men of Sodom that he bring out his daughters to them rather than his angel visitors ... (Genesis 19:8) – yet the inspired New Testament writer tells us that Lot was a true child of God (II Peter 2:6-8).
There are times that wheat and the tares are so difficult to distinguish it behooves us to remember the Savior's admonition: "Judge not!" Man only looks upon the outward appearance; God sees the heart! And He knows those who belong to Him.
Joseph of Arimathea did belong to the Lord. True, he was no shining example of spiritual maturity, but as he stands at the back of the crowd that day at Calvary, with cloak shrouding his face lest he be recognized, methinks tears could be seen in his eyes. For he is a disciple of the One who had died upon the center cross.
II. His Supreme Devotion
Have you ever paused to think what was about to happen to the body of the Lord Jesus?
Normally those who had been crucified would die a lingering and painful death. Perhaps for two or even three days they would hang there as the noonday sun blazed upon them, and as vultures circled overhead, waiting to pick their bones clean ...
But the morrow was the Passover – a holy feast day – and it would be contrary to the Mosaic Law to leave a body on the cross during that period (Remember! – Jesus had already died.)
Let John pick up the story: "The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day (for that Sabbath day was an high day), besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away" (John 19:31).
Permission is granted. And the Roman mallets smashed the legs of the two thieves. Whereas some relief could be gained by a crucified man who eased the strain by "standing on the nail in his feet" - the broken legs meant no such relief was possible. The heart was soon strained to breaking point. Death came quickly.
And as Joseph, the good and just man from Arimathea, watches this grim scene, something happens.
Does he see the grave being hastily dug nearby to dispose of the three bodies? Or a cart being hauled into place ready to transport the corpses to Gehenna, the ever-burning rubbish tip just south of the city wall?
Is it to be that in less than three hours (when the Passover commences) the body of Jesus will be subject to the same fate as that of the two malefactors?
Joseph weighs the issue in his mind.
On the one hand – he has a tomb, a new tomb, in this very area (John 19:41).
And it is not right, surely, that this One whom he acknowledged as "Lord" should end up as food for vultures.
"But wait a minute, Joseph! Surely you are not contemplating identifying yourself with this Jesus?"
Even His own closest friends have forsaken Him. Except John ... there he is about to escort Mary to his home.
"It is all over, Joseph. There is nothing anyone can do any more."
"Yes, there is!" Did Joseph utter the words out loud as he dropped the cloak from hiding his features?
"Yes, there is! I was too scared – too cowardly – to nail my colors to the mast when Jesus was alive. But I'm willing to do it now! He can have my tomb."
"But Joseph ... think of your position in the Sanhedrin. It will cost you your job to go through with this foolhardy plan of yours!"
Remember Joseph! Crucifixion not only spells death, but shame! Identify yourself with Jesus at this stage and you will bear the stigma the rest of your life ..."
The sun sinks lower. Two hours to go before the Sabbath commences ...
One hesitates to read more into the sacred sltory than what the Gospel writers record. But I can well imagine, as Joseph of Arimathea stands there, eyes focused upon that cross ... a mind torn 'twixt what was the right thing or the wisest thing to do ... suddenly a hand touches his shoulder.
He turns.
It is Nicodemus, a fellow member of the Sanhedrin. Nicodemus speaks ... "I didn't expect to see you here, Joseph ..."
The man from Arimathea forgets his "fear of the Jews." The die is cast. He makes a great confession.
"Nicodemus," I can imagine him saying, "I'm a disciple of that Man on the center cross. Oh ... I've never confessed Him publicly before. But He's my Lord. I don't understand all the reason behind what has happened today. But this I know – it's not right He should not be afforded a proper burial. And, Nicodemus, I have a tomb. See – over there! And I've decided to use it for the burying place of Jesus. He's my Lord, Nicodemus. My Lord!"
And Nicodemus would have replied, "He's my Lord, too. Ever since I spoke to Him one night, I've been a follower of His" (John 3:1-10; 7:50, 51).
Thus it is the two "secret disciples" decide on the action that must needs be taken. And taken urgently. Once that Sabbath begins at sunset there will be no way they can put their desires into effect.
Joseph of Arimathea heads off to get permission from Pontius Pilate while Nicodemus sets out to gather the spices and linen clothes ...
If there is one word that shines in the sequence of events that follow it is the one recorded in Mark's Gospel:
"And now, when even was come (ie., it is almost sunset) because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, 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).
Did you catch it? Boldly!
No secret disciple now! Here is – in the words of another – "one common soldier who enters the arena of battle when all the generals have fled!"
The Gospel story continues, telling us how surprised Pilate was to learn the crucified trio were dead already. Is it a trick, perhaps, to get the Nazarene from the cross before He dies, and tenderly care for Him until strength returns? Already there are rumors that He said He would reappear three days later. Better make sure, Pilate!
So a centurion is despatched to see if Jesus is really dead.
Anxious moments.
Joseph sees the sun sinking quickly as he gazes through the palace window. Half an hour at the least. Where is that centurion?
At last Pilate is assured that Jesus is truly dead ...
Back at Calvary the crowd has dispersed. The bodies are down from the cross now. Dumped unceremoniously on to the cart.
John places his arm around weeping Mary. They prepare to leave this agonizing scene.
But suddenly, along the path that leads up the hill, comes Joseph of Arimathea – frantically waving a piece of paper in his hand. "Wait!" he cries to the Roman soldiers. "Wait!"
Here it is ... permission from Pontius Pilate himself that the body of Jesus may be handed over to Joseph of Arimathea!
John and Mary and the other women must have stared in astonishment at this new twist in the bewildering events of that day. For – remember – up until now Joseph had been a secret disciple! Not even they had known of his allegiance to the Lord Jesus. Yet here he is ... at the very darkest hour ... showing supreme devotion, willing to share the taunts and ridicule of whoever learns that he has given his tomb to inter the body of Jesus.
And here comes Nicodemus! Panting, puffing ... as the shadows lengthen ... here he comes with myrrh and aloes – "about an hundred pound weight" (John 19:39).
And loving hands take the body of Jesus and wrap it in the linen clothes and place it in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea.
The sun sets. And the Sabbath begins ...
III. His Satisfying Destiny
Oh ... I know the Scripture becomes silent concerning the future of Joseph.
I guess when it was noised abroad that he had given his tomb for the body of the Nazarene all those things he had expected came true – dismissal from the Sanhedrin; ostracism from friends. Persecution, even as the Book of Acts records befell the followers of the Way.
Then came the day when Joseph lay a-dying. And the saints gathered around his bedside. Did Paul give a little homily, I wonder, and John read an appropriate Psalm? It could well have been so.
But the thrilling truth that comes to mind is the attitude Joseph of Arimathea would have at a time like this. Fear? No ... he had left his fears far behind long ago, that day when he publicly confessed himself a disciple of Jesus.
Besides ... death held no fear for him. He was about to be buried in a conquered tomb!
For from that grave the Lord had arisen. Death could not keep her prey.
And Joseph of Arimathea knew the One who had conquered death (in his tomb!) would one day come again as He had promised. Death had lost its sting.
The resurrection of our Lord, bodily from Joseph's tomb, was a pledge that one day, from that same tomb, Joseph also would rise again!
And not Joseph only, but all who are disciples of the Lord Jesus "shall hear His voice ... and shall live!" (John 5:25-29).
God grant that we might know something of that supreme devotion displayed by Joseph of Arimathea and then we, too, shall be assured of the same glorious and satisfying destiny.
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