50 Now there was a Council member named Joseph, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision or action. He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 He went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was beginning.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed, and they saw the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned to prepare spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath, according to the commandment.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Monica Ly

As I read this passage, I was struck by the courage of Joseph— a member of the Council. Even though he was highly respected and closely connected to the Jewish leadership, Joseph did not agree with their decision. He chose to stand apart from them and not take part in their actions.

Joseph’s actions made a powerful statement. He publicly aligned himself with Jesus, even though he was aware of the social and religious backlash he would face. It seems he understood who Jesus was and the significance of his death. Joseph was waiting for the Kingdom of God (v 51), so perhaps like the thief on the other cross back in verse 42, he understood that Jesus was the King who would bring in the Kingdom. Perhaps he even understood that Jesus’ sacrifice had paid for his sins, so he was no longer condemned but justified, declared “not guilty.” However much he understood, Joseph’s assurance gave him the strength to set aside the fear of human approval. His identity was now rooted in Christ.

Joseph’s conviction challenges me to reflect on my own life. How often I forget that my identity is in Christ. I can easily fall into the trap of seeking human approval, measuring my worth by achievements, or striving to fit into cultural expectations. It’s tempting to define myself by what I do or how others see me, instead of by what Christ has already done for me.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life:

• Where have you allowed human approval to define your worth?

• In what ways have you tried to earn your value through accomplishments or appearances?

Let us come before God in prayer, repenting of the ways we have sought approval apart from Him. Take comfort in this truth: Jesus’ death on the cross has given us our value, our dignity, and our security.

In Christ, we lack nothing. May this truth empower us to live out our true identity in Him—walking in His ways and living lives worthy of our calling in Christ Jesus.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Monica is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.