Joseph of Arimathea

Joseph of Arimathea was a wealthy member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Mark describes him as "an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God." Luke adds that he had not consented to the council's decision and action against Jesus. John reveals he was a secret disciple "for fear of the Jews."

After the crucifixion, Joseph's faith overcame his fear. He "went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus." This was a courageous act: publicly associating with a crucified criminal meant religious defilement and potential political danger. Pilate, surprised that Jesus had already died, granted the request.

Joseph wrapped Jesus' body in fine linen he had bought and laid Him in his own new tomb, hewn out of rock. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy that the Suffering Servant would be "with the rich in his death." The tomb's location was known, which became crucial for establishing the reality of the resurrection.

Little else is known about Joseph, though traditions abound. The important point is that crisis forced a decision. Joseph's secret discipleship became public at precisely the moment when all seemed lost. His costly act of devotion preserved Jesus' body for proper burial and prepared the stage for resurrection morning.