Joseph of Arimathea’s story is told in Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42

Joseph of Arimathea – The Brave Disciple Behind the Scenes

When we think of the people who followed Jesus, names like Peter, Mary Magdalene, or John usually come to mind. But one man, though not as well-known, played an important role in Jesus’ story after the crucifixion. His name was Joseph of Arimathea.

Who Was Joseph of Arimathea?

Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy man and a respected member of the Jewish council, also known as the Sanhedrin. While others on the council opposed Jesus, Joseph was different. The Bible tells us that he was waiting for the kingdom of God and had become a follower of Jesus—though he kept it quiet out of fear (John 19:38).

A Bold Move After Jesus’ Death

After Jesus died on the cross, most of His followers were in hiding. But Joseph did something bold. He went to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. This was risky—associating yourself with someone who had just been executed as a criminal could get you in trouble.

Not only did Joseph ask for the body, but he also offered his own new tomb, carved out of rock, to bury Jesus. With the help of another secret follower, Nicodemus, Joseph carefully wrapped Jesus’ body and placed it in the tomb.

Why Joseph’s Role Matters

Joseph’s actions fulfilled a prophecy from Isaiah 53:9, which said the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. At a time when Jesus had been rejected, beaten, and killed, Joseph showed love and respect. He gave Jesus a proper burial when it seemed like no one else would.

Even though Joseph didn’t preach or perform miracles, his quiet bravery made a big difference.

What We Can Learn from Joseph

Joseph of Arimathea teaches us some powerful lessons:

  • Faith doesn’t always have to be loud. Joseph wasn’t in the spotlight, but his actions showed deep commitment.
  • Courage can show up when it’s needed most. He stepped up when others were afraid.
  • God can use what we have to serve others. Joseph used his wealth and his tomb to honor Jesus.

Final Thoughts

Joseph of Arimathea reminds us that being a disciple of Jesus isn’t always about big speeches or dramatic miracles. Sometimes, it’s about quiet faith, bold decisions, and doing the right thing when it matters most. His story encourages us to live with courage and to use what we have to honor God—just like he did.