Joseph of Arimathea: From Hidden Disciple to Courageous Act
The story of Joseph of Arimathea, recorded in all four Gospels, is an inspiring reminder of the transformation that faith in Jesus can bring. He was a man who loved God but initially lacked the courage to openly express his faith.
The “Hidden” Disciple in a Political and Religious Context
Joseph was a highly influential figure in Jewish society at the time:
He was wealthy (Matthew 27:57).
He was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish supreme court (Mark 15:43).
He looked forward to the Kingdom of God and the rule of the Messiah.
Despite his status and faith, Joseph was a secret disciple (John 19:38), keeping his faith a secret for fear of the Jews and public opinion. When the Sanhedrin discussed killing Jesus, he did not dare to express his opposition. He prioritized personal safety and reputation over standing up for God publicly.
The Change That Came From the Cross
What made Joseph, who had been “hidden” out of fear, suddenly become so courageous?
It was the sight of the cross – where the Lamb of God was dying and suffering for the sins of mankind – that completely transformed him. Witnessing the sacrificial death of Jesus awakened the courage that was hidden within him. He went from being a fearful disciple to a courageous defender of the Son of God.
Joseph no longer cared about gossip or his reputation. He went directly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:38). When he was given permission, he spared no expense, buying “clean linen” to wrap Jesus in and placing Him in his “new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock” (Matthew 27:60). This action also fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9: “They made his tomb with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…”
A Lesson in Courage for Us
Joseph’s story is a powerful call to each of us. How can we, who sometimes “hide ourselves,” become courageous followers of God?
God’s Grace: Only by God’s grace can we be transformed, becoming more and more like Jesus (Romans 8:29).
Contemplating the Cross: Like Joseph, when we contemplate the ultimate sacrifice of the Redeemer at Calvary (“Greater love has no one than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” – John 15:13), courage will be ignited.
Pray for boldness: We can ask God to remove fear of man, pride, and fear of losing reputation or social standing.
Courage is not always easy. Remember Jonah, who tried to run away when God sent him to preach to the brutal Ninevites. Or John the Baptist, who lost his life for courageously telling the truth to King Herod (Matthew 14:4). Are you willing to face opposition to openly witness for God in your work, studies, or everyday conversations?
The Importance of Joseph in the Gospels
Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in all four Gospels, indicating the importance of his courageous act. Interestingly, each Gospel emphasizes a different quality of his, consistent with the focus of each on Jesus:
In Matthew, Joseph is a “rich man,” consistent with the image of Jesus as King and Messiah.
In Mark, Joseph is a “respected councilor,” consistent with the image of Jesus as the perfect Servant.
In Luke, Joseph is a “good and just man,” consistent with the image of Jesus as the perfect Man.
In John, Joseph is simply a “disciple” (even a “hidden” one), consistent with John’s focus on Jesus as the eternal Son of God, who is in the bosom of the Father.
Joseph’s story is a powerful encouragement: God values acts of courage, no matter how small, that are motivated by love for Him. Let his example motivate us to come out of hiding and stand up for Jesus!