Joseph of Arimathea's Relationship to Jesus Christ
Joseph of Arimathea's Relationship to Jesus Christ
Joseph of Arimathea is described in the Gospels as a wealthy and influential follower of Jesus who played a crucial role in Jesus' burial. According to Mark 15:43, Joseph was "a prominent council member who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God" [1]. Matthew 27:57 identifies him as a rich man from Arimathea who was "discipled to Jesus" [2].
The Gospels provide varying details about Joseph's relationship with Jesus. Mark and Luke portray him as a member of the Sanhedrin who was waiting for the Kingdom of God, indicating his sympathies with Jesus' teachings [1, 4]. John describes him as a secret disciple, suggesting that his allegiance to Jesus was not publicly known [3].
Joseph's actions demonstrate his devotion to Jesus. After Jesus' crucifixion, Joseph boldly approached Pilate to request Jesus' body for burial, showing his courage and commitment [1, 3]. The fact that he was willing to publicly identify himself with Jesus, even after Jesus' death, is significant, as it reflects his conviction and faith.
The biblical accounts also highlight Joseph's honorable character. He is described as "a good man and a just" who had not consented to the decision to crucify Jesus [6]. According to John Gill, Joseph was a counsellor who was part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, and his actions were motivated by his expectation of the Messiah's kingdom [5].
The burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea is seen as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, specifically Isaiah 53:9, which speaks of the Messiah being buried with the rich [6]. This event is also notable for its demonstration of Joseph's faith and his willingness to take a public stand for Jesus, even in the face of potential opposition.
The various interpretations of Joseph's character and actions across different Christian traditions highlight the significance of his role in Jesus' burial. While the specifics of his relationship with Jesus are not fully detailed in the biblical accounts, his actions and character suggest a deep commitment to Jesus and his teachings [3, 4, 6].
Sources
- Mark “Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for the Kingdom of God, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. -- Mark 15:43”
- Matthew “Matthew 27:57 (YLT) — And evening having come, there came a rich man, from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was discipled to Jesus,”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 19:38: 19:38 According to Luke, Joseph of Arimathea was a courageous man who was waiting for the Kingdom of God (Luke 23:50-51). He was a wealthy (Matt 27:57) and influential leader in Jerusalem and a member of the high council (Mark 15:43) who disagreed with the decision to kill Jesus. He asked Pilate for the favor of burying Jesus in his personal tomb. • Joseph was a secret disciple (cp. John 12:42-43), but his bold deed brought out his public support of Jesus.”
- Mark (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Mark 15:43: 15:43-45 Joseph of Arimathea (possibly from the village of Ramathaim, twenty miles northwest of Jerusalem) was an honored member of the high council and a secret disciple of Jesus who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come (see Matt 27:57; Luke 23:50-51; John 19:38). He courageously requested the body of Jesus from Pilate for burial. Since he was a member of the high council and was not known to be Jesus’ disciple, it served Rome’s purposes to grant his request: It would satisfy Jewish concerns about leaving the dead exposed after sunset (Deut 21:22-23), and Je”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 19:38: And after this,.... That is, after Jesus had given up the ghost, when it was a clear case that he was dead; as it was before the soldiers came to break the legs of the crucified, and before one of them pierced the side of Jesus with his spear, though that confirmed it: but it seems to be before these last things were done, and yet after the death of Christ, that Joseph of Arimathea went to Pilate, and desired leave to take down the body of Jesus. This Joseph was a counsellor, one of the Jewish sanhedrim; though he did not give his consent to the counsel of the court co”
- John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 19:38: Joseph of Arimathea--"a rich man" (Mat 27:57), thus fulfilling Isa 53:9; "an honorable counsellor," a member of the Sanhedrim, and of good condition, "which also waited for the kingdom of God" (Mar 15:43), a devout expectant of Messiah's kingdom; "a good man and a just, the same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them" (Luk 23:50-51 --he had gone the length, perhaps, of dissenting and protesting in open council against the condemnation of our Lord); "who also himself was Jesus' disciple," (Mat 27:57). being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly,”