Risking All for Jesus
It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Mark 15:43
If no one had claimed Jesus’ body, it probably would have been thrown into a common grave. So here is where we’re introduced to Joseph of Arimathea. He becomes one of the New Testament’s unsung heroes.
Joseph of Arimathea was a respected member of Israel’s highest council, the Sanhedrin. He would have been at the high priest’s home through the night before listening to the mock trial Jesus was put through.
To go to Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body was a brave move. After all, Jesus had just that day been put to death for sedition (rebellion against Rome). Joseph was associating with a man who by today’s standards, would be considered an extreme radical, even a revolutionary. Remember Peter was so scared he denied even knowing Jesus.
In taking down Jesus’ body, whether he did it or his servants, Joseph would have been ceremonially unclean for Passover. There would have been a rush to place Jesus’ body in the tomb by sunset. The delay while Pilate confirmed Jesus’ death would have been incredibly testing (15:44,45). Joseph had to buy the linen cloth (15:46) after being given permission to take Jesus’ body which would have added even more pressure. Shops in Jerusalem would not want to stay open a moment beyond sunset when the Jewish Passover began.
So here is a man risking his reputation and standing in Jewish society. He was waiting for the kingdom of God (15:43). This would have been true of hopefully, all the Council, but is mentioned here probably to highlight the purity of his hope. Joseph was indeed a man of extraordinary conviction.
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