Luke 23:50-53

A Man Called Joseph (23:50-53).

But there was one man who acted positively. He had been present when the Sanhedrin met, but he had not agreed with their verdict, and had given his vote against them. Perhaps he now felt that he should have done more. But he would not have realised then how easily Pilate could be made to cave in. He was a good and righteous man, looking for the Kingly Rule of God, and while he had been unable to prevent this terrible deed at least he now felt that he could ensure that Jesus had a decent and worthy burial. And bravely, for association with a condemned criminal would certainly be frowned on, he went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, a request that Pilate granted. And wrapping it in a linen cloth he laid it in a new tomb that had never been used before.

The importance of this incident is that it prepares for the later description of the empty tomb and emphasises its significance. Jesus' body was not just put anywhere. It was reverently laid in a tomb that could at the time be clearly identified. Thus when it was gone, and no one (apart from the angels) was able to say where, there was no doubt of what it indicated. He truly had risen.

Analysis.

a And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a councillor, a good and righteous man (Luke 23:50).

b He had not consented to their counsel and deed (Luke 23:51 a).

c A man of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was looking for the Kingly Rule of God (Luke 23:51 b).

b This man went to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus (Luke 23:52).

a And he took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was hewn in stone, where never man had yet lain (Luke 23:53).

Note that in ‘a' Joseph is a good and righteous man suitable to see to the burial of Jesus, and in the parallel He buries Him in an unused tomb, fit to receive what has been offered to God and is holy. God ensures that all is pure in the burial of Jesus. In ‘b' he was a man who was free from any part in the death of Jesus, but in the parallel rather seeks to show that he is for Him and will care for Him in His death. And centrally in ‘c' he is a Jew who is seeking the Kingly Rule of God. Jesus is in safe hands.