One prominent man’s bold decision is an example for disciples today
By Dean Collins
There is boldness that comes with following Jesus. But it’s different than being or appearing self-righteous. The boldness of living under the authority of Jesus as king means that we must be willing to break rank with the systems of this world. Both the political and the religious.
It’s a natural tendency to blend into the groups we have chosen to join. Whether it’s a club, a team, a church, or a political party, there are expected norms of behavior and belief. And when we step out and push the boundaries of our human systems, we will often catch the looks of others and eventually their rejection.
A Bold Request
All four Gospel writers tell us that a man named Joseph from the town of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus so he could bury him in a tomb he owned. We could easily skim past this passage and miss the boldness of this request.
Remember, Joseph was a man with membership and status. Matthew tells us Joseph was a rich man. Matthew would know, since his career before following Jesus was collecting taxes. He was well aware of who had money and who didn’t. For all we know Matthew might have taken some of Joseph’s money from time to time.
Rich people often have status and they usually own some property. Joseph had owned a tomb carved from a rock with a garden view. He offered it as a gift where Jesus would be buried. We have no record of him discussing this with anyone but Pilate. But it’s highly likely his friend Nicodemus was in on this plan. John tells us Nicodemus went to the tomb with Joseph.
Joseph was also a ranking member of the Pharisees. Luke and Mark tell us he was a member of the council, the Sanhedrin, that made legal and leadership decisions for the Pharisees. I don’t know the details, but I think we can safely assume you don’t become a member of the Sanhedrin without playing by the rules, looking good, and probably also being one of the wealthy members. Joseph fit all the categories.
Luke tells us Joseph did not go along with the Sanhedrin’s decision to have Jesus crucified: “He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.”
Seeking the Kingdom
He did not agree with the decision and he was looking for the Kingdom of God. His seeking of the Kingdom, according to Matthew and John, resulted in Joseph becoming a disciple of Jesus. His faith, like ours, required action. At some point you have to decide if Jesus is king, and if the answer is yes then you must become his disciple. And being a disciple means Jesus has authority over your life, your decisions, and your behavior. And sooner or later you will be forced to break rank with your groups and their decisions and rules.
Joseph did this the afternoon he chose to go alone to the local Roman authority and ask for the body of Jesus. Remember the rage of the crowds yelling “crucify him” just hours earlier. Remember the disgust and hatred the Pharisees had for Jesus. This act by Joseph required he be willing to declare loyalty to Jesus over everything he once held sacred. Yes, he did it secretly that night. But once he took the body, his secret would no longer be kept. Everyone in the world would soon find out that Joseph of Arimathea was a disciple of Jesus in pursuit of the Kingdom of God. In fact, he is forever known for that decision and his devotion.
All or nothing
Every one of us is a member of something. There are norms and rules in every group and organization. Those rules and protocols are there for a reason. They guide behavior and bring order. Some organizations require strict allegiance, and others are more slack. Jesus isn’t particularly big on rules. But being his follower is an all or nothing decision. It is a decision that means that we will do as he told us: Seek first the Kingdom of God. Love one another as he has loved us. Take up our cross and follow him. Love him more than anyone or anything else.
Like Joseph we must be willing to act with boldness. Lord, give us the courage to follow you completely.
Your time with God’s Word
Luke 17:20-21; 23:50-56; Matthew 27:57; Mark 15:43; John 19:38-41 ESV
Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash
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