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It has been two weeks since Passover. This means that we have five weeks until Shavuot/Pentecost. During these next few weeks, I would like to further explore with you some lesser-known facts and events that transpired between the Garden of Gethsemane to the resurrection of Jesus. I hope you will join me as we dig deeper and take the time to ponder over what we discover. Today I want to take a closer look at Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. However, let’s take a brief look at what the period between Passover and Pentecost called the Feast of Weeks is all about.
Feast of Weeks
In previous posts, we have learned that the Jewish people count the 49 days leading to Shavuot/Pentecost which for those who are still looking for the Messiah, believe to be the ultimate point of Passover. Shavuot represents when God gave them the Torah. The thought was that deliverance from Egypt was given for the revelation of the Torah.
The Giving of the Torah Timeline
According to Hebrews4Christians.com, there is a connection between Passover, the Omer Count, and Shavuot rooted in the actions of the God of Israel. Below are a few events leading up to the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
- Start of Sacred Year – 2 weeks before the Exodus – Nissan 1
- Passover – Nissan 15
- Pharaoh chases after the Jewish people – Nissan 18
- Parting of the Red sea – Nissan 21
- Manna is given – Iyyar 15
- Water from the Rock – Iyyar 23
- Arrival at Mount Sinai – Sivan 1
- Three Days of preparation – Sivan 3-5
- The giving of the Torah – Sivan 6
For the Jewish population who believe Jesus is the Messiah and Gentile Christians, we understand that Shavuot now represents the giving of the Holy Spirit.
Another interesting item to note is this same article referenced above shares how some believe that the Rapture of the Church could happen on Pentecost. Click the link below to read this fascinating article in depth.
READ MORE: Shavuot – The Feast of Weeks
Moving on to Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus…
Nicodemus
Other than the discourse between Jesus and Nicodemus in John 3:1-21, I discovered that Nicodemus was referenced in two other areas of Scripture. John 7:50-52 and John 19:39-40.
Moreover, from the scriptures, referenced above we learn that:
- Nicodemus was a Pharisee – Jn 3:1
- A ruler of the Jews – Jn 3:1
- Jesus referenced Nicodemus as a teacher of Israel – Jn 3.10
- Nicodemus came with Joseph of Arimathea and brought about a hundred-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes for the burial of Jesus – Jn 19:39
- Along with Joseph of Arimathea, he took the body of Jesus and bound it in strips of linen with the spices – Jn 19:40
- Nicodemus stood up for Jesus in a meeting of the Sanhedrin – Jn 7:50-52
A Ruler of Jews
The word ruler used in Jn 3:1 is the Greek word archon, which means the chief one, ruler, or prince. This word was used to denote the rulers of local synagogues and members of the Sanhedrin who were the highest authorities in the land.
Jesus also called Nicodemus a teacher in Jn 3:10. The Greek word used for a teacher in the NKJV or master in the KJV is didaskalos which speaks of one who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man.
Joseph of Arimathea
Whereas Nicodemus is only referenced in John’s gospel, we see that Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in all four Gospels and is described as:
- Being from Arimathea – Lk 23:51
- also known as Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim – 1 Sam 1:1
- A rich man – Mat 27:57
- A good and just man – Lk 23:50
- A secret disciple of Jesus – Mat 27:57; Jn 19:38
- A Prominent council member – Mark 15:43; Lk 23:50
- Waiting for the kingdom of God- Mark 15:43; Lk 23:51
Moreover, we read that Joseph of Arimathea:
- Had not consented to the council’s decision and deeds – Lk 23:51
- Went to Pontius Pilate secretly to claim the body of Jesus
Mat 27:58; Mk 15:43; Lk 23:52; Jn 19:38 - Had a fear of the Jews finding out – Jn 19:38
- Took Jesus’ body down from the cross – Mk 15:46; Lk 23:53
- He and Nicodemus wrapped Jesus in fine linen – Mat 27:59; Mk 15:46; Lk 23:53; Jn 19:40
- Placed Jesus in his (Joseph’s) own new tomb – Mat 27:60; Mk 15:46; Lk 23:53; Jn 19:42
- Rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb – Mat 27:60; Mk 15:46
A Council Member
Exactly what do the Scriptures mean by designating Joseph as a council member? Let’s look at the meaning of the Greek words used.
The Greek word for a counselor in Mk 15:43 is bouleutes, the word for a member of the Sanhedrin. This is the same word used to describe Roman senators. By using the word bouleutes, Mark tells us that Joseph of Arimathea’s position in Israel was one of great honor and respect.
We also read in Mk 15:43 that Joseph was waiting for the Kingdom of God, the Greek word for waited is prosdechomai. This word tells us he was expecting the fulfillment of the promises of the Kingdom of God. This explains why Joseph was attracted to the ministry of Jesus. Because of Joseph’s deep hunger and longing to see the Kingdom of God.
Therefore we see that both men were:
- Members of the Sanhedrin
- Open-minded enough to receive from people who were “outside the circle” of what most religious people viewed as acceptable
- Both, because of their high-ranking position, were regarded as prominent, influential, and wealthy
Just who were the Sanhedrin? READ MORE HERE
Boldness in Approaching Pilate
The Scriptures state in Mk 15:43: ”Joseph of Arimathea… went in boldly to Pilate, and requested the body of Jesus.
If Joseph feared the Jews why did he approach Pilate in such a bold fashion? Was it because:
- he may have been concerned the Jews would come after him as they had Jesus
- Perhaps fear of reprisal had kept him from revealing that he was a disciple in the past
- It’s also possible if it became known he was a disciple, the Jewish authorities would pressure the governor into refusing Joseph’s request for Christ’s body
From the Scriptures, we understand the Jewish authorities did not want Jesus’ body to fall into the hands of His disciples. They thought that the disciples would steal the Lord’s body to fake a resurrection scenario. (see Mat 27:62-66).
A Fourth and Most Logical Reason
However, there is a fourth and most logical reason for Joseph’s boldness. Let’s look at an excerpt from an article on the website called Beyond Today by the United Church of God.
According to both Roman and Jewish law, unless the body of an executed criminal was immediately claimed by the next of kin, the body of the victim was cast into a common pit.
“Certainly, the fanatical Sadducean element of the Sanhedrin who sought the total extinction of Jesus, even in death, would have allowed nothing short of a legal claim on the body of Christ” (E. Raymond Capt, Traditions of Glastonbury, 1983, p. 20).
The Jewish authorities, who hated and despised Jesus, would surely have resisted his being given an honorable burial in a private tomb—unless there were irrefutable grounds in favor of Joseph receiving the body.
Therefore, we may infer from these verses that Joseph was a close relative of Jesus.
This probably accounts for the boldness of Joseph’s request—not bold in the sense of facing his fears but bold because it was an assertion of his rights to Christ’s body.
Joseph of Arimathea is by tradition said to have been the younger brother of Mary’s father Heli, who was essentially a royal prince of the Davidic line of Nathan.
This would make Joseph of Arimathea Mary’s uncle and Jesus’ great uncle. (Richard W. Morgan, St. Paul in Britain, 1860, 1984, pp. 69-70 footnote)
OH WOW! Joseph of Arimathea was Jesus’s great uncle? Holy relationships Batman! I just had to write that. Guess you can figure out my approximate age.
Secret No More
No wonder Joseph could boldly go to Pilate with the assurance that his request would be granted.
Both men were considered to be the “cream of the crop”. Moreover, they had much to lose if they were known to be disciples of Christ. Perhaps they felt they could do more as “secret disciples” in their positions among the Sanhedrin. We can ask them one day when we meet in the Kingdom of God.
In any event, it was these two secret disciples that cared lovingly and extravagantly for Jesus’s body after His death.
The Bible states that Jesus appeared to over 500 people between His resurrection and His ascension. (see 1 Co 15:6) Moreover, I’m sure He visited these “secret disciples” during this time and oh how they must have worshiped Him. The One they lovingly spared no expense to honor.
How can we not also love with so great a love the One who gave His life for us?
Renner, Rick. Paid in Full (pp. 220-224). Teach All Nations. Kindle Edition.
