Matthew 27:57, Luke 23:50-53, John 19:38-42
If one was going to write a book for present and future generations that contained “all things that pertain to life and godliness” what would be in it? Certainly, it would depend on the focus of the book and what one hoped to accomplish with the generations. Also, one would need to define God and His attributes, method of communication, personality, and a host of other aspects. A great deal of information would be required to be shared and therefore to impart in as brief a manner as possible.
How did the writers of the New Testament pick and choose what would need to be important to the generations and what would not? Without a doubt as much of the life and teaching of Jesus, the savior as possible. Of course, the Gospel plan of salvation and its implementation. Difficulties the early generations experienced would also be important as well as the ultimate reward for adherents. Of course, the Holy Spirit was inspiring them and guiding them as the bible progress.
Essential to the “good news” is the life, death, burial, resurrection and accession of Jesus the Christ. Curious is the circumstances surrounding the burial of Jesus after the crucifixion. The story of Joseph of Arimathea is entirely about Jesus burial. Arimathea is probably the Old Testament city of Ramah 1 Samuel 1:19 the home of Elkanah and Hanna the parent of Samuel the prophet. Matthew calls him “a rich man,” and Luke a “good and just man” and member of the council most assuredly the Sanhedrin. John is somewhat more descriptive as he describes Joseph as “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews,”
As soon as Joseph heard the news of Christ’s death, he summoned the courage to go to Pilate and asked for the body. Pilate, knowing Josephs position on the council and having determined the death had really taken place, granted Joseph’s request. Assisted by Nicodemus, who provided the myrrh and aloe, Jesus was wrapped in fine linen and prepared for burial. The two secret disciples of Jesus, and “the women who had come with Him from Galilee,” Luke 23:55 hastily placed the body in the tomb, rolled the stone in front and went to observe the Sabbath that was about to begin.
While the Gospel accounts are not at all lengthy, they are curious. Joseph was a member of the Sanhedrin which the Romans depend on to maintain law and order in the conquered province. This council could do pretty much what they liked short of murder to accomplish their task. It was made up of the upper elite of society as it was determined they had the most at stake and thus would maintain order rather than risk more server Rome involvement in their affairs.
Joseph, “a good & just man,” did not support the council’s decision concerning Jesus. It would seem the powers that be could keep the council members in line thru intimidation but still there were some who believed secretly. While the council could not force the crowds to ignore Jesus, they were very successful in keeping those in charge in line. Mark 12:37, John 7:26-28. The gospel writers did not hesitate to call these men disciples. Still they made apparent they were secretly so engaged. As courageous as their act of compassion was their discipleship does not ring true with the words of Jesus, Luke 12:8, Matthew 10:32 “whomever confess me before men”. Saul a later Pharisee would come to this fact and write about it in Roman 14:11 “every knee shall bow.” Christ taught and the disciples down through the centuries have acted so as to confess Christ to all mankind regardless of the threats.
Curious also is why this story of the Burial of Jesus? His life is essential as is His death and resurrection and ascension. There is to this day at least two places which lay claim to the burial site of the Lord Jesus Christ. Million have visited both and they remain popular today. It was necessary to establish the physical death of the Christ to all those present and so the tomb was made known to them. Today however we are obedient servants through our faith in Him. Just as the cross is no longer present or needed the tomb is not necessary as well.
Questions:
- How many of the Gospels speak to the role of Joseph of Arimathea in the burial of Jesus?
- What Old Testament town is Arimathea identified? Who was from there?
- What did Luke say concerning the integrity and morality of Joseph?
- What does Luke say Joseph was waiting for?
- What request did Joseph bring to Pilate and was it granted and why?
- What was the hurry to bury Jesus?
- How does 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 help us explain why Paul would have included the burial of Jesus among things of first importance?
- What casts a shadow on the actions of Joseph and Nicodemus?
