Believer

Prominent member of the Sanhedrin. 

Joseph of Arimathea.  

Reminding us.

Among the “white-washed tombs” lived true believers. Walking in obedience.

Looking forward to the Kingdom of God.

Religious leader

He could’ve stayed in shadows. Away from the cross. 

But Joseph asked Pilate for the body of Christ. Bought linen cloth. Provided a tomb. 

This religious leader took Him down from the cross. And another member of the Sanhedrin who had come in secret to Jesus—Nicodemus—brought the customary spices. 

They wrapped His corpse in linen. And laid His body in the tomb. A tomb cut into rock.

 Then rolled a stone against the entrance.  

Surely others in the Sanhedrin knew about this.

Believer

That’s all we know about this believer. Joseph of Arimathea. 

But I wonder. When did he hear the news?

Were whispers of “He is risen!” reaching his ears? 

Did he run to see the empty tomb with his own eyes?

Changed lives

How encouraging to know the Resurrection and subsequent declarations of the gospel changed lives among other religious leaders too. 

“So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).

For nothing is impossible with God. 

He brings the dead to life.

Related

Dismayed by the demand – Truly, Truly – Why follow Jesus? – Enter the narrow door – Living hope – Matthew 27:57-61 – Mark 15:43-47 – Luke 23:50-56 – John 19:38-42 – Acts 6:7 –