Thinking in 3’s: Joseph of Arimathea (Luke 23:50-1)

Luke chapter 23 contains that dramatic story of the sentencing and crucifixion of Jesus. There is much here that should capture our attention, but I will only note briefly three phrases about this figure, Joseph of Arimathea, who appears between the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus; who places Jesus in a tomb.

Luke 23:50Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, ⁵¹ who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God.

Luke makes three statements about Joseph. First, he was “a good and righteous man.” This does not mean that Joseph was man who constructed his own goodness or established his own righteousness. Rather, he was a godly man who looked to God and not the world around him to define what was good and righteous. He would have kept the commandments, even as he was painfully aware of ways in which he failed to do so. He strove to do what was right (righteous), choosing the narrow way, though he may have faltered at times. 

Luke also says that he “had not consented to their decision and action.” That decision and action would have been that of “the council,” or the Sanhedrin, of which he was a member. He would have been one of the very few who did not go along with the railroad job of rushing Jesus to an undeserved sentence of death. 

We all know that it is difficult to stand against the crowd, to be one of the only ones for vote “no.” The majority may rule, but they most certainly are not always right. Joseph must have been mortified at their actions. But what good would his negative vote do? Yet, Scripture attests, he did not consent. We also, if we would be faithful followers of Christ, must object at certain times and say no.

Thirdly, Joseph was “looking for the kingdom of God.” He was looking for something better than the present order, even if that order could be marginally improved. He was looking for the fulfillment of the promises of God. He was looking for the in-breaking of God in this world, interrupting the normal flow; disrupting the way things work.

Little did Joseph know that, having placed Jesus’ body in the tomb, God’s in-breaking would occur that very Sunday, in that very place.