30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 23 50-56 THE BURIAL OF JESUS 02 12Feb2022 Luke 23 50-53 Tell the world that we are disciples of Jesus
📖 Luke 23:50-56
02 – 12 Feb 2022 – Tell the world that we are disciples of Jesus - Luke 23:50-56 - THE BURIAL OF JESUS - Bible reading: II Corinthians 4:1-2
“Thank You, Lord Jesus. You are teaching us precious lessons that You want us to learn and apply by the enablement of the Holy Spirit. We give You all the glory and praise and in Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.”
Luke 23:50-53 Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. (51) He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. (52) This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (53) Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before.
Before we begin to understand the significance of the burial of the body of Jesus, we are considering this man, Joseph of Arimathea. Joseph had a major role in the burial of Jesus and therefore, we must take some time to look at his life.
We have understood that Joseph was a prominent council member and had not consented to the death of Jesus. He had expressed his disapproval but his opinion was put aside. We realised that we are called to be the salt and light of the world and we have a prophetic role in our generation.
Joseph was a good and just man
This is a prerequisite for us as the people of God. Our life must be a testimony to the character of Jesus. We are not just messengers of the Gospel of Jesus but we are a part of the message.
To live out the life of Jesus is only possible in the enablement of the Holy Spirit. Out of our flesh, we cannot please God.
I Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.
Apostle Paul is emphasising the work of the Holy Spirit to make him and his team be ‘the kind of men’, who displayed the character of Christ. They lived confidently, as a testimony to Jesus.
II Corinthians 4:1-2 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. (2) But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
We are to be manifestations of the truth. II Corinthians 4:10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. The manifestation of truth takes place when we always carry in our body, the death of Jesus.
Joseph was a rich man, who gave of his earthly goods
He took down the body of Jesus, wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. This shows that Joseph was a man of substance and he gave generously to meet the need for the burial of Jesus.
Nicodemus also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. Both of them were rich and they gave of their material goods.
Giving is a vital character for us as the disciples of Jesus. The Lord has given us His all. We too must be those, who give and give and give again.
I Timothy 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. (18) Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, (19) storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
There is something else about Joseph that makes us be concerned. Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus. John elaborates for us that Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus because of the fear of Jews.
John 19:38 After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.
This is how we see Nicodemus too, for He came to see Jesus at night. We understand that many of the rulers of the Jews actually believed in Jesus but were not willing to confess Him in public. The reason too is specified.
John 12:42-43 Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; (43) for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
This is something about which we need to be warned from the life of Joseph and Nicodemus.
Nevertheless, we see a big shift taking place in the lives of both these men at the death and burial of Jesus. Both these leaders, came out publicly, declaring their allegiance to Jesus Christ.
Joseph took courage, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Pilate commanded that the body of Jesus be given to him.
Suddenly, Joseph woke up from his half-heartedness to Christ. Joseph and Nicodemus experienced a life transformation at the death and burial of Jesus.
Thought to ponder
Have you shed off your lukewarmness to Christ?