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Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43
D.L. MOODY
I consider this one of the sublimest, grandest acts any man ever did. In the darkness and gloom, His disciples having all forsaken Him, Judas having sold Him for thirty pieces of silver, the chief apostle Peter having denied Him, the chief priests having found Him guilty of blasphemy, the council having condemned Him to death, and when there was a hiss going up to heaven from over all Jerusalem, Joseph went right against the current, right against the influence of all his friends, and begged the body of Jesus.
Blessed act! Doubtless he chastened himself for not having been more bold in his defense of Christ when He was tried and before He was condemned to be crucified. The Scripture says he was an honorable man, an honorable councilor, a rich man, and yet we have only the record of that one thing—the one act of begging for the body of Jesus. What he did for the Son of God, out of pure love for Him, will live forever. That one act rises up above everything else that Joseph of Arimathea ever did.
ERWIN LUTZER
Do we understand the power of one courageous act—one courageous person? David’s killing of Goliath plunged the Philistine army into fear while transforming Israel’s army into one of triumph, victory, courage, and faith. Joseph of Arimathea, in requesting the body of Jesus, showed love and dignity to his Savior when no one else did—fulfilling a Messianic prophecy (Isaiah 53:9).
One person can make a huge difference by one heroic act of service, one opportunity to identify with Christ. Ask God, “What can I do today to inspire others to remain faithful to Christ?” Let us take these words to heart, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6).
PRAYER
Lord, grant me the courage to identify with you.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Why is it difficult to act in faith when no one else will?
What effect can courageous faithfulness have on others?