The Lodestar

Joseph of Arimathea stands out among Bible characters for his silent but crucial role in the Gospel accounts. Joseph, who provided the tomb for Jesus’ burial, is a mix of contradictory traits: courage paired with caution and influence paired with humility.

The Gospels portray Joseph as a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council that played a crucial part in Jesus’ condemnation. Despite his high status, Joseph was “waiting for the kingdom of God” as he longed for the messianic age (Mark 15:43).

Joseph was brave enough to approach Pontius Pilate for the body of Jesus, who died as a criminal. Asking for the body to be given a decent burial was risky since it could be seen as an association with a convicted criminal. But Joseph’s commitment to his faith ignored the risks. Claiming Jesus’ body was a public declaration indicating his dedication to his convictions.

Joseph’s discipleship was marked by caution. He remained a secret disciple of Jesus, fearing the hostility of his colleagues (John 19:38). Or his solid personal faith did not seek the attention of others but rather expressed itself through sincere and humble service.

By providing his new tomb for Jesus’ burial, Joseph fulfilled Isaiah’s prophesy that the Messiah would be “with a rich man in his death” (Isaiah 53:9). Jesus received a noble burial instead of his body thrown to the wild animals and beasts as it was usual in the case of condemned criminals. His cautious discipleship resulted in a quiet but essential gesture of love and respect and served the plan of God.

Joseph of Arimathea emerges as a blend of moral boldness and silent devotion. Joseph navigated the complex religious and political tensions with a steady heart, committed to upholding what he thought was sacred and true. His legacy is one of dignified loyalty, as a man who served God with a contradictory blend of bravery and humility.

(Author: Prajwal Sudhir Joglekar is from Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka. Currently, he is a student at Leonard Theological College. His endless thirst for fascinating subjects is the driving force behind his studies and insightful posts. PJ's passions outside of academics include exploring places and meeting people.)