From: Rachael Bailes
We learn more about Joseph of Arimathea from today's reading in Matthew 27.57-66. We know that he was rich, and a disciple of Jesus. Luke 23.50-51 describes him as "a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God." John 19:38 says he "was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews."
While Jesus lived and had his ministry, Joseph was looking for the kingdom of God, was a disciple of Jesus, but was too afraid of the Jews to stand against them. Once Jesus died, it was Joseph who went to talk to Pilate about giving Jesus a proper burial. It seems as if Joseph was given a new found courage to make public his devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 4.6 says, "For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Our hope is in the RISEN Christ. May we not live in fear, but be courageous in being the light of Christ and sharing the hope of His salvation.
I live in Brighton with my husband and 3 kiddos.