“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man.”
Luke 23:50
It’s easy to miss the faithful followers of Jesus who appear in Scripture for just a few verses but are never heard of again. God, in His wisdom, includes glimpses of their faith for our encouragement. Joseph of Arimathea is one of those. Join me in thinking of his quiet courage right after Jesus’ crucifixion.
Joseph was a respected member of the Sanhedrin—the very council which condemned Jesus—but had not consented to that decision. When the moment came, Joseph did something both costly and public: he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body to place in his own tomb. At a time when most of Jesus’ followers had fled, Joseph came forward. Not loudly. Not with fanfare. But with bold faith. In doing so, he unknowingly fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that the Suffering Servant would be “with the rich in his death” (53:9).
Jesus had died, and Joseph didn’t know of the resurrection—but he honored Him anyway. Will we honor Christ when it’s costly, uncertain, or unseen? Jesus, who went silently to the cross, is worthy of even our quiet boldness.
Joseph was a respected member of the Sanhedrin—the very council which condemned Jesus—but had not consented to that decision. When the moment came, Joseph did something both costly and public: he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body to place in his own tomb. At a time when most of Jesus’ followers had fled, Joseph came forward. Not loudly. Not with fanfare. But with bold faith. In doing so, he unknowingly fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy that the Suffering Servant would be “with the rich in his death” (53:9).
Jesus had died, and Joseph didn’t know of the resurrection—but he honored Him anyway. Will we honor Christ when it’s costly, uncertain, or unseen? Jesus, who went silently to the cross, is worthy of even our quiet boldness.
Scripture Focus
Luke 23:50-56
Insight
FAVORITE NEW TESTAMENT MINOR CHARACTER by Tamara Chamberlain, Haven’s vice-president of communications and development. She’s been with Haven since 2015 and also is a wife and a mom of three young boys, with a baby girl on the way!
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 31-32
- Psalm 77
- John 19