Luke 23:50, Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, who was a good and just man.
The gospels record an important moment after Jesus’ death, when we meet Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph was a good and upright man. He was a member of the council, so he would have been well known and respected. More importantly, Scripture says that Joseph was “looking for the kingdom of God.” He didn’t agree with the decisions and actions of the Jewish leadership as they condemned Jesus. Could it be that, because he was looking, Joseph saw things they didn’t see?
After the crucifixion, Joseph went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. He personally, took “Him down” from the cross (Mark 15:46). It is so tempting to rush through Scripture because we think we have heard it all before, but don’t do that here. Imagine yourself in this moment. Joseph – a disciple of Christ, though secretly because he feared the Jews (John 19:38) – now stepping forward to tend to His Savior. In his efforts, he was helped by Nicodemus, who had also once visited Christ in the secrecy of night (John 3:1-21).
We don’t know many details of this moment, but what we do know is that Joseph was allowed to physically see and touch what he had been seeking for so long. He made the effort, and his effort was rewarded – not only by the honor of tending to the body of Christ but also His resurrection. Hebrews tells us that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). What better reward could there be than to see Jesus?
My friend seek Him. He is so worth the effort.
