Joseph of Arimathea

Introduction:

Joseph of Arimathea is the main figure in the burial of Jesus. Every Gospel writer is familiar with Joseph and each writer mentioned he is of Arimathea. Today we will finish up our series on Characters in the Shadow of the cross.

I.               Who Was Joseph of Arimathea?

A.    What we know of him:

1.     Mt. 27:57 - From Arimathea

2.     Mt. 27:57 - Was a rich man.

3.     Mk. 15:43 - Member of Sanhedrin Council

4.     Lk. 23:50 - Good and righteous man

5.     Mt. 27:57; John 19:38 - A disciple of Jesus

6.     Mt. 27:57; John 19:38-40 - Asked for, received, prepared body for burial

7.     Mt. 27:60 - Used his own tomb

B.    By most accounts we would consider Joseph to be a good, upstanding, God-fearing person.

II.             Why The Secrecy?

A.    For reasons known only to him, Joseph failed to publicly profess his faith before Jesus died.

1.     John 19:38 - We know he feared the Jews.

2.     John 12:42-43 – could he been fearful of losing his position of authority?

B.    Obviously had a change of heart after Jesus’ death.

1.     Perhaps it was in shame of not acting upon his faith prior to His death.

2.     Displays courage & asks for body of Christ.

a.     Lovingly prepares body for burial (along with Nicodemus).

III.           Lessons To Learn

A.    Matt. 27; Mk.15; Lk. 23; Jn. 19 – We need to remember events which caused Joseph to act. 

B.    1 Peter 2:21-24 - Consider the pain, suffering, anguish Jesus endured so we might live.

C.   Romans 5:6-10 - He has given us an opportunity to spend eternity in heaven.

D.   Mt. 5:16 – we can’t be a closet Christian.

1.     Mt. 10:32-34 - Savior demands our profession of Him.

2.     What do people see when they look at you?

E.     1 Tim. 1:12-16; Acts 2:22-23, 36 - Never too late to change.

F.     Heb. 11:6; Js. 2:24-26 - Must act upon our faith.

Conclusion

A.    Although he was lacking at first, Joseph boldly proclaimed his faith after the death of Jesus.

B.    Are you a closet Christian?