Joseph was from the Jewish town of Arimathea. (Luke 23:50) This town was located around 20 miles Northwest of Jerusalem.
1) Rich man: Joseph was a rich man according to Matthew. (Matthew 27:57) Though he was rich, he was a godly and righteous person.
2) Disciple: Joseph is defined as a disciple of Lord Jesus Christ by both Matthew and John. (Matthew 27:57; John 19:38)
3) Timid: Though rich, and being a member of Sanhedrin, he was afraid of orthodox Jews who were against Lord Jesus Christ. (John 19:38)
4) Member of Sanhedrin: Joseph was also a respected and reputed member of the Jewish Council, called Sanhedrin. (Mark 15:23, Luke 23:50) He is also termed as righteous, which also means blameless.
5) Access to Pontius Pilate: Joseph was not only respected among the Jewish people, but he also had access to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. (Luke 23:52)
6) Ministered to Lord Jesus: Joseph boldly went to Pontius Pilate and got permission to bury the body of Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph along with Nicodemus took the body of Lord Jesus Christ and bound it in linen clothes and spices that Nicodemus had brought. (John 19:39-40)
7) Lent his tomb: Matthew mentions that Joseph had a tomb hewn in the rock in a garden of his house. (Matthew 27:60) There were rich people in Israel, who prepared a place of burial for themselves. It was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Isaiah. (Isaiah 53: 9)
God gave an important task or privilege to Joseph of Arimathea to handle the body of Lord Jesus Christ. Since these two reputed men were involved, Sanhedrin could not float a theory that Lord Jesus did not die, he only fainted to recover in the cool of the tomb or cave. God in His providence chose Joseph’s tomb for burial of His Son. Yes, he was born in a cowshed, but was buried in a rich man’s tomb, but rose again. All of us could be strategic instruments in God’s purpose and plan.
Am I available like Joseph for His mission?