John 19:38, Joseph of Arimathea

38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body.

Joseph of Arimathea, mentioned in all the gospels, was a rich man (Matthew 27:57) and a member of the Sanhedrin who did not agree to the persecution of Jesus (Luke 23:51). Whatever might have been his earlier hesitancy about publicly supporting Jesus, the crucifixion has engendered a new boldness in him. He went directly to Pilate, indicating his powerful standing in the community, and asked for Jesus’ body, now in the possession of the Romans, to be turned over to him.

Normal Roman procedure would have been to bury a criminal’s body outside the city walls in designated graves. Yet Pilate, showing deference to Joseph, gives him the body.

Lord Jesus, grant that each of us may never deny the cross upon which you were crucified. You did not will to be taken down from the cross until you accomplished the work you came into the world to do. Like Joseph, help us to love you and follow you even when it is most difficult and inconvenient to do. Amen.