And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, 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. Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead. And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph. And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.
- Mark 15:42-46 (ESV)
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, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.
- Luke 23:50-51 (ESV)
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 (ESV)
Who was Joseph of Arimathea?
Mark 25:43 - he was A respected member of the council.
Luke 23:51 - he was A good and righteous man .
Luke 23:50 - He was looking for the Kingdom of God.
John 19:38 - He “was a disciple of Jesus but secretly for fear of the Jews.”
Joseph took a mission-driven, faith-filled risk even if it was not his responsibility.
Joseph took a mission-driven, faith-filled risk even if it was costly.
Joseph took a mission-driven, faith-filled risk even if seemed late.
“ they made his grave with the wicked but he was with the rich (man) in his death...”
- Isaiah 53:9
“ ...blessed are those who have not seen (me) and yet believed”
- John 20:29