As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus… Matthew 27:57

There were many that day who watched Jesus die.  Some mourned, others laughed and scorned.  There was one man, however, who stood from the crowd.  He was among them, yes – but he was different.  And it was more than his place in society.  Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man – a man both well-off and well respected.  He was a member of the Council – of the ruling body of the Jews.  He was associated with those who condemned Christ to die; yet he was a follower of the man they so despised.  He stood with the Council as they made their demands; yet he did not share in their convictions. Joseph of Arimathea had convictions of his own. Though he feared the men he ruled alongside, he knew they held no power over death.  Though he knew his Messiah would be killed, he believed He would rise again. That’s where he differed from other believers.  He watched Jesus being beaten, spit upon, laughed at, and hung upon a cross.  And while it pained his heart, he refused to lose heart.  You see, he did not focus on the here-and-now.  He focused on the words of prophecy.  He believed Jesus was who He said – and that meant He would rise again.  So as Jesus uttered his final words and breathed his last … as His followers held tight to one another and wept … as the dark clouds gathered overhead and panic began to spread throughout the crowd … Jospeh snuck away.  He gathered every ounce of courage and approach Pilate.  He asked – he pleaded – for the body of Jesus.  When his request was granted, he stole the limp body of his Savior away.  He did not bury him with the guilty, as the Council would demand, but buried him in a new tomb.  He did not wrap Him according to burial custom, as the believers would demand, but wrapped him in fresh linens.  Then he waited for the third day…

As we go forth from this Easter season, let us be like Joseph of Arimathea.  Let us truly believe in Christ and His ressurection power.  Let us shake off our sackcloth and rejoice – for the tomb, my friends, is empty!

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“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.” – Luke 23:32

Two thieves shambled along the dirt road leading to Golgotha.  Upon his back, each bore a large wooden cross inscribed with the crime for which he would die.  They were not alone on this final journey; a man whose cross read IESVS·NAZARENVS·REX·IVDÆORVM, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” walked with them.  He took the place of a murderer. 

During crucifixion, both robbers scorned the third; if they were King, they would not be hanging on a cross on a hill called the Skull.   But something in the man’s presence silenced one.  No matter the insult, this man named Jesus never fought back.  When He looked upon His accusers, He looked with pity, not resentment.  The robber turned to face the crowd.  That’s when he saw them; amidst those who mocked, those who mourned.  Rich and poor, relation and friend – his mother and brothers mingled with a harlot, a tax collector, a man healed of leprosy.  The lives Jesus touched. 

Like that odd band of followers, this man who did nothing but take, looked upon the man who did nothing but give.  He saw love reflected from the eyes that saw hate; he heard words of compassion in response to those of reproach; he felt acceptance, even as he pushed away.  He saw his Savior.  And while he knew he was not worthy of grace he cried out, “Jesus, remember me …“ – and most amazing of all, Jesus did.  Those were the words He waited for – the words He died for – and if we speak them even today, His answer remains the same: I tell you the truth… you will be with me in paradise.  It doesn’t matter our history, our sins, our hypocrisy.  We have only to call out to Jesus with heartfelt sincerity; His triumph over the grave will guarantee our pardon.