Mark 15:42-45 MSGLate in the afternoon, since it was the Day of Preparation (that is, Sabbath eve), Joseph of Arimathea, a highly respected member of the Jewish Council, came. He was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God. Working up his courage, he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate questioned whether he could be dead that soon and called for the captain to verify that he was really dead. Assured by the captain, he gave Joseph the corpse.
John 19: 38-42 MSG After all this, Joseph of Arimathea (he was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, because he was intimidated by the Jews) petitioned Pilate to take the body of Jesus. Pilate gave permission. So, Joseph came and took the body. 39-42 Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices.
Observation
It is believed that Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were both serving in the Sanhedrin, the religious Jewish Council. The Sanhedrin had as members both Pharisees and Sadducees. The Sadducees only believed in the Law/Torah (the first five books of Moses), tended to be wealthy, ran the Temple business, bowed to the Romans to maintain their positions, and, in general, were not well liked by the common folk. The Pharisees believed in the Law and the Prophets, and, being the scribes and lawyers, set about strictly defining and preserving the traditions of the Law. They were commonly well-liked and respected by the people. These two sects did not get along, but, as Jesus’ influence and teaching was a threat to both, they joined together to kill Jesus.
Joseph and Nicodemus had much to lose if they openly became disciples of Jesus. The Romans often left crucified bodies exposed to the elements and wild birds for many days, but Jewish tradition required that the body be removed on the day of death and buried outside the walls of the city. A crucified person was never buried in a family tomb because that would desecrate it. Sabbath began a sunset and being even in the vicinity of a dead body would make Joseph and Nicodemus contaminated (unclean) for 7 days, preventing them from participating in any ritual of Passover Week. So, claiming and burying the body of Jesus was risking public exposure as a disciple of Jesus, exclusion from normal life and possible loss of influence and power. Jesus was dead. If they did not publicly acknowledge Him alive, why risk so much now?
Impact on Me
I ask myself, “What had changed for these two?” Certainly, there were some powerful signs at Jesus’ death – earthquake and darkness (eclipse?), the veil of the Temple torn from top to bottom. Were these the straws that broke the back of their reluctance and fear of intimidation? The miracles of healing, provision, deliverance and raising the dead should have been sufficient proof of His claim to Messiah and, combined with the signs at His death, may be what gave them the courage to come out publicly as His disciples. They certainly risked it all. These two were there at the Cross to honor and care for His body when His public disciples were nowhere to be found.
“He was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God.” Joseph and Nicodemus were both this kind of man. Their minds and lives were open to seeking the Kingdom of God, even if it showed up in a way that challenged them to be open to realities they didn’t understand or expect. I have to wonder what choices I would have made in their same positions. I want to live expectantly, always on the lookout for the kingdom of God. Is that who I am? Am I courageous enough to do so? I have a different bucket load of traditions and expectations placed on me by my Christian community. Will I be as willing to throw my position, my power, my community to the wind to follow God’s truth if it does not coincide with my current acceptable standards and traditions? Sad to say, I am not absolutely sure. I want to be open to whatever the Holy Spirit is asking of me, but it is my choice at every moment and in every circumstance to do so.
Prayer
God my Father, King, Redeemer, Creator, Teacher, Advocate, I worship You. I want to be like You and live a life that honors and obeys You in all things. I have grown up in a society that champions individual rights and achievements. You ask me to trust You enough to be open to throwing away all of those if it is necessary to serve You and draw others to the knowledge of Christ. Teach me to walk in Your ways, submit to Your requests of me, and be faithful regardless of the cost to me. I want to live expectantly, always watching for Your kingdom, always open to hear Your voice. Make it so, Lord Jesus.
Pressing On In His Footsteps 