“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” Matthew 27:59-60 NIV
We find a man named Joseph from the city of Arimathea coming to ask for Jesus’ body. He is a disciple of Jesus. However, John tells us that he was a “secret” disciple for he was afraid of the Jews. Why would he be afraid? Because these religious leaders hated Jesus so much that they had said that anyone who confessed that Jesus was the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue (John 9:22) The practical result of this would be being cut off from Jewish society. The secret disciple was no longer going to be secret. If Joseph had not been a member of the Sanhedrin, it is doubtful that Pilate would have paid much attention to him, but as far as Pilate knew, Joseph may have been there making his request on behalf of that council. A fearful rich man who is a secret follower of Jesus finds courage to publicly ask for Jesus body. He does so at precisely the right time. Only a short time earlier had the chief priest requested Pilate to have those being crucified taken down from the crosses. If Joseph had asked later he would not have had time to bury Jesus before the start of the Sabbath. Jesus had to be buried before the start of the next day in order for Friday to count as the first day of His three days in the grave. Joseph is no longer afraid to identify with Jesus. It would have been better if he had done this before death, but at least they are doing so now. The same holds true for us.
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord Jesus, may we show publicly that we are Your followers.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, through Your Holy Spirit may we not be like Joseph who was afraid to identify with You. Let us with courage boldly declare that we are Your followers. AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Matthew 27:57-66
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