"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22
"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22

OCTOBER 30th

 

JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA

 

       John 19:38  And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave [him] leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

 

     Joseph of Arimathea is an interesting character who is captured from many angles by all the Gospels.  Matthew 27:57 describes him simply as a rich man thereby fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9 which reads in part "And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death…"  Mark 15:43 calls him an honorable counsellor who waited for the kingdom of God.  Luke 23: 50-55 renders him a counselor, good man, and just.  Finally, John 19:38 revealed him as a secret disciple of Jesus. 

 

     Joseph is most famously known for begging the body of Jesus after He was crucified and loaning his own sepulcher.  What an interesting time for him to appear since he was meticulously tracked by the Holy Spirit to teach us a wonderful truth.  Joseph’s name means let Him add.  It was important to include his place of origin, Arimathea, which was the Old Testament place called Ramah.  Ramah was in the land of Benjamin.  What an astounding spiritual picture! 

 

     Hours after Jesus declared His Work Finished, a man named Joseph from a land of Benjamin figures prominently.   Joseph, like his Old Testament namesake and whose significance is now noted, helps to unveil an emerging spiritual truth.  In the Old Testament, Joseph’s only full brother was Benjamin.   Jesus the Christ would no longer be known after the flesh but after the Spirit.   Members of His Body are "added" as His Gospel is preached, and the increase to the family of God all hail from among His full brethren (Benjamin).  

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto [his] brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things [pertaining] to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.Hebrews 2:7."i

 

 

 

 

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