And after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews
A threefold power
I. THE POWER OF WORLDLINESS. Both of these men had opportunities of being convinced of Christ’s Messiah-ship, and both were in sympathy with Him, yet neither made a public avowal of discipleship. There were perhaps, three elements of worldliness that influenced them in the matter.
1. The love of wealth. Confession of Christ meant excommunication and the spoiling of goods. Hence Christ reminded His hearers of the sacrifices they would have to make, but neither Joseph nor Nicodemus had the moral courage to make them.
2. The desire for popularity. They occupied high positions and had the honour of the populace. Had they followed Christ they would have lost both, and loving the praise of men more than of God, had not the moral strength to make the sacrifice. There are three classes of men:
(1) Those who have no moral convictions--the largest class.
(2) Those who have moral convictions, but not enough courage to avow them. There are many such in parliament and the pulpit.
(3) Those who have moral convictions and carry them out regardless of the frowns of men. These are the heroes, reformers and saviours of the world; and also the smallest class.
3. The power of caste. They were members of the highest class of Jewish society--a class which, as a whole, was malignantly hostile to Christ. Because “none of the rulers believed on Him,” these men were too weak to pronounce for Him. These three elements are as strong here as there, now as then.
II. THE POWER OF THE CROSS. There was something about Christ’s death which roused these men to manly exertion, and two wonders connected with the Crucifixion were calculated to produce this effect.
1. The material. The rending of the veil, the earthquake, &c., must have produced some impression on the most sceptical, much more on those in whom lurked a secret love.
2. The moral. His moral Majesty, His prayer, His last words--in all these there was a “still small,” soul-penetrating voice, which must have affected these men. As they now handled the mangled frame, self-reproachful tears would fall. Thus the power of the Cross overcame, and is the only power to overcome the power of the world.
III. THE POWER OF PENITENCE. Now Christ is dead their consciences are stirred to their centre. Is it not always so with those who have neglected a true friend when he is gone?
1. It forced them to a compensatory effort, Nothing too good for Him now. Conscience will sooner or later drive a man to his duty.
2. The compensatory effort came too late. Of what use was the costly embalmment now! How often this is the case now! (D. Thomas, D. D.)
Christ’s funeral
There are six remarkable particulars about this funeral.
1. The preparations that were made for it.
(1) His body could not be buried till, by begging, his friends had obtained it as a favour from Pilate.
(2) And when they had gotten it, they wind it in fine linen with spices. But what need of spices? His own love was perfume enough to keep it sweet in remembrance of His people to all generations. However, by this they will manifest the dear affection they have for Him.
2. The bearers--Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. None could imagine that ever they would have gone boldly to manifest their love to Christ, when dead, who were afraid to come to Him (except by night) when He was living, when those that made open confessions of Him are gone.
3. The attendants who followed the hearse--the women that followed Him out of Galilee.
4. The sepulchre.
(1) It was another’s. As He lived in other men’s houses, so He lay in another man’s tomb.
(2) It was a new tomb; for had any other been laid there before Him, it might have been averred that it was some former body, and not the Lord’s, that rose.
5. The disposition of the body. There is no mention made of the tears, yet we may well presume they were not wanting in plentiful expressions of their sorrow (Luke 23:48).
I. WHY HAD CHRIST ANY FUNERAL AT ALL, since He was to rise again?
1. To ascertain His death, else it might have been looked upon as a cheat. Now, since our eternal life is wrapt up in Christ’s death, it can never be too firmly established.
2. To fulfil the types and prophecies that went before (Matthew 12:40; Isaiah 53:9).
3. To complete His humiliation. Lower He could not be laid.
4. That He might conquer death in its own dominion; which victory furnisheth the saints with that triumphant song (1 Corinthians 15:55).
II. WHAT MANNER OF FUNERAL CHRIST HAD.
1. It was very obscure and private. Here was no external pomp. Christ affected it not in His life, and it was no way suitable to the ends and manner of His death.
(1) The dead body of the Lord was not brought from His own house as other men’s commonly are, but from the tree. Had they not obtained this favour from Pilate, it must have been tumbled into a pit under the cross.
(2) It was attended with a very poor train; a few sorrowful women. Other men are accompanied to their graves by their relations and friends. The disciples were afraid to own Him dying, and dead.
(3) It was done in great haste. Time was short; they take the next sepulchre they can get, and hurry Him away that evening into it. Thus was the Prince of the kings of earth, who hath the keys of death and hell, laid into His grave.
2. Yet though men could bestow little honour upon it, the heavens bestowed several marks of honour upon it.
(1) A miraculous eclipse put the heavens and earth into mourning.
(2) The rending in twain of the veil showed that all ceremonies were now accomplished and abolished.
(3) The opening of the graves showed the design and end of Christ’s going into it.
III. COROLLARIES.
1. Was Christ buried in this manner? Then a decent and mournful funeral (where it can be had) is very laudable among Christians.
2. Did Joseph and Nicodemus so boldly appear, at a time of so much danger, to beg the body and give it a funeral? Let it be for ever a caution to strong Christians not to despise or glory over the weak.
3. Hence we may be assisted in discerning the depths of Christ’s humiliation for us, and see from what to what this love brought Him.
4. From this funeral of Christ results the purest and strongest consolation and encouragement to believers against the fears of death and the grave.
(1) The grave received, but could not destroy, Jesus Christ; and as it fared with Christ’s body personal, so it shall with Christ’s body mystical (1 Corinthians 15:20).
(2) As the union betwixt the body of Christ and the Divine nature was not dissolved, so the union between Christ and believers cannot be when their bodies shall be laid in their graves.
(3) As Christ’s body did there rest in hope, so it shall fare with the dead bodies of the saints (Psalms 16:9-11).
(4) Christ’s lying in the grave hath changed the nature of the grave, so that it is not what it was. It was once a part of the curse, but now it is no prison but a bed of rest; yea, and a perfumed bed (Isaiah 57:2; Psalms 23:4).
5. Since Christ was laid in His grave, and His people reap such privileges by it, as ever you expect rest or comfort in your graves, see that you get union with Christ now.
(1) The covenant of God holds firmly with our very dust (Matthew 22:31-32; Romans 14:7-9). That dust is still the Lord’s.
(2) As God’s covenant with our very bodies is indissolvable, so God’s love to our very dust is inseparable (Romans 8:33).
(3) As God’s love will be with you in the grave, so God’s providence shall take order when it shall be digged for you; not till you are fit to be put into Job 5:26; Acts 13:36).
(4) When ever you come to your graves, you shall find the enmity of the grave slain by Christ (1 Corinthians 3:21-22).
(5) Christ keeps the keys of all the chambers of death, and as He unlocks the door of death, when He lets you in so He will open it again for you when you awake, to let you out; He Himself wakes and watches by you while you sleep there (Revelation 1:18). (J. Flavel.)
The burial of Christ
Of all the scenes of common life, there is none so affecting and instructive as the funeral of a friend. When heroes or a beloved monarch go to their last home, thousands gather round the tomb. Shall the great Saviour and King of men have no one among us to lament His death?
I. THE CIRCUMSTANCES ATTENDING HIS BURIAL.
1. The persons who are bearing the blessed Jesus to His tomb. And who are they? The disciples? These “all forsook Him and fled;” and now He is dead, they leave His body to be mourned over and buried by others. But though, in the hour of need, they desert us who ought to be the first to minister to our necessities, yet “the Lord will provide.”
2. The time in which Jesus was interred. “The Jews’ preparation day,” and the people were now attending the service of the Temple; but Joseph and Nicodemus were not among them. They offered to God a more acceptable service than prayers and sacrifice; but having buried the Saviour, all their love for Him could not bring them to His tomb till the Sabbath was ended. Thus did they manifest the ardour of their affection, and at the same time admonish us to suppress the noblest feelings of our nature, rather than violate the command of God.
3. The place where the Lord was interred.
(1) A garden on the very hill on which He was crucified. It was right that the place where He suffered the greatest ignominy should be the first scene of His glory.
(2) His sepulchre was “hewn out in a rock.” A body could not hastily be removed from such a sepulchre by a subterraneous passage, nor could the disciples enter unperceived.
II. WHY WAS HE THUS BURIED?
1. That the prophecies concerning the Messiah should be fulfilled.
2. To prove the reality of His death.
3. To comfort His people in the prospect of death.
III. THE EFFECTS WHICH A CONTEMPLATION OF THE SAVIOUR’S TOMB SHOULD PRODUCE ON US.
1. A penitential sorrow for all the injuries we have done Him, and all the pain we have given Him.
2. Joy that His sufferings are past and His happiness begun.
3. An earnest desire to be where He is and to behold His glory.
4. The deepest anxiety to be prepared for our own latter end. (C. Bradley, M. A.)
The burial of Jesus
I. THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS (John 19:38):
1. By whom effected. Joseph, assisted by Nicodemus, John, and the women.
(1) A native of Ramathaim in Ephraim, the birthplace of Samuel.
(2) A rich man, which rendered his service a signal display of courage, a true token of inherent nobility, a striking companion-picture to the Magi at Christ’s birth, and a beginning of fulfilment for Isaiah’s oracle concerning His death (Isaiah 53:9).
(3) A member of the Sanhedrim, though probably not present when Christ was pronounced guilty of death (cf. Luke 23:50, with Mt Mark 14:64)
.
(4) A good man; one of the few who kept God’s commandments, and waited for the consolation of Israel (Luke 1:6; Luke 1:24).
(5) A secret disciple--like others of the rulers (John 12:42); e.g., Nicodemus, whose faith waxed stronger as Christ’s cause grew darker.
2. When attempted. After Christ’s death, which happened about 3 p.m. Obtaining leave from Pilate, he would then concert with Nicodemus about purchasing the linen cloth, &c. It would then be approaching even.
3. How carried out. The Evangelist is silent; but from the performers, we may conclude, with reverence, tenderness, and tears.
II. THE EMBALMMENT (verse 39, 40). Nicodemus now steps into the foreground.
1. His person identified. The same mentioned in chap. 3.
2. His courage emphasized--in contrast with that interview.
3. His love proclaimed. With no straitened hand he carries out his heart’s design.
4. His reverence recorded. Along with the others he proceeds to embalm the corpse. First they lay the body on the white winding-sheet. Next the women, it may be supposed, take the smaller cloths from Nicodemus, and, filling them with aromatic powder, wrap them around its members. After this Joseph folds around it his great white sheet, and the work is complete.
III. THE INTERMENT (verses 41, 42).
1. The place of sepulture.
(1) A garden grave. In a garden death achieved its first victory. It was fitting that in a garden that victory should be reversed.
(2) A strange grave. In another grave He is laid, who died for another’s guilt.
(3) An honourable grave. He who died on a cross between malefactors is laid in a just man’s tomb.
(4) A new grave. It was congruous that He who was a new Man (sinless), born in a new way (of a virgin), who had died a new death (for sin not His own), and who was to rise unto a new life (of glory and immortality) should rest in a new tomb.
(5) A near grave. Close to Jerusalem as ours is to the heavenly city.
2. The funeral procession. Contrast it with that of the great, even the wicked great. Lessons:
1. The overruling providence of God in the fulfilment of Scripture.
2. The guarantee that the sinner’s debt has been paid.
3. The transformation of the grave. (T. Whitelaw, D. D.)
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus at the burial of Jesus
At first, it may disturb your sense of proportion to see the names of two mere men in such a connection; thinking that no name but His own should be mentioned. You care to know nothing about them, and have eyes, ears, heart for nothing but one solemnity. We shall, however, not be out of order, nor break any canon of Christian good taste by taking emphatic notice of them.
I. BEFORE THE DEATH OF JESUS THESE TWO RULERS had been His secret disciples.
1. Foremost in the transaction we see Joseph. When we are told that fear kept him from avowing his discipleship, we are tempted at once to pass sentence upon him. But it may have been a fear natural to a mental sensitive plant, shrinking from every rough wind and every random touch--a fear fostered by an atmosphere of reverence, and heightened by anexquisite, pain at the thought of difference between himself and other men. The companion of Joseph was Nicodemus, a man like himself in station, in wealth, and in being “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly.”
2. These men were no worse than multitudes are now who pass as irreproachable. Many an undergraduate, many a man fighting his way through the earlier stages of a profession, having in his heart “some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel,” holds it secretly, out of the fear inspired by his social surroundings. Many a Christian, now loud in profession, great in repute, had he lived in the days of the Incarnation would have received no nobler notice than this--“a disciple of Jesus, but secretly.” How would it have been with you? How is it with you now? “Let him who is without fault among you cast the first stone.”
II. THE DEATH OF JESUS ROUSED THE TWO SECRET DISCIPLES TO DECLARE THEMSELVES.
1. It is remarkable that the first fact recorded in Christian history after the death of Christ is one that warns us against being merely secret disciples. Grace is not a treasure to be “hid in the earth in the midst of the tent.” Faith will not stay shut up in the heart any more than a seed will stay shut up in the soil. Sometimes, indeed, a seed may be dropped in some deep furrow where the clods harden over it, until a tearing storm fetches it out into light. Sometimes a Christian may be like that seed, and a storm of trouble may be needed to reveal him. At the Crucifixion such a storm burst upon these two disciples.
2. Look at Joseph. No one had suspected a stain on this white flower of the Hebrew aristocracy; no one had dreamt of anything on this soul of honour that could fear the world or shun the daylight; and perhaps, owing to the heart’s deceitfulness, he had hardly thought of it himself; but when at length the Saviour in whom he had secretly trusted was put to death, the shock woke him up. Then, with pangs of burning shame, he would say, “What a terrible coward I have been!” Besides his sorrow on this account, he must have been sorry on his own--how much he had lost! The instructions, comforts, helps that open disciples had enjoyed. Never once had he said, “Jesus, I love Thee”; never once had he heard Jesus say, “Go in peace!”
3. The heroism of faith is almost always kindled by desperate circumstances. The heroism of Joseph began in Christ’s hour of darkness. When the only voice lifted up for Him all that day had been the voice of a dying thief--then it was that he openly declared himself. He had “waited for the kingdom;” and perhaps this poor man’s prayer made him resolve to identify himself with the King. “Boldly” is the fit word for describing his errand to Pilate. Such a request, in later days, has cost men their lives. But the brave deed was successful. At the same time it helped to kindle similar courage in the heart of Nicodemus. They had often met in the high places of life, each knowing the other had faith in Christ that he was afraid to profess; they now met at the cross as at the altar of decision. (C. Stanford, D. D.)
Joseph of Arimathea
In this and parallel passages we have all that is recorded about the burial of Christ. Two things of importance were secured by Joseph’s interposition here.
(1) Through him we obtain an official attestation of Christ’s death, which was hardly to be expected at so early a stage.
(2) Through him the body of our Lord was saved from further indignity. We have here the illustration of
I. THE SLOW PROCESS BY WHICH SOME ARE BROUGHT TO A KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH.
1. Joseph was one of that class to which belonged Simeon and Nathanael. After Christ’s ministry began, he became a secret disciple, convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. Did not confess, but kept from complicity in the conspiracy of the rulers. Deterred by dread of singularity and love of caste.
The last stage, that of open sympathy with Christ, was reached and revealed by this act.
2. There are some Christians who cannot recall the time when they did not love and follow Christ. Others, once avowed enemies, have reached almost at a bound the position of open confessors; while others have attained only after long hesitation, and through many difficulties.
II. HOW THE VERY EXTREMITY OF A CAUSE BRINGS FRESH ADHERENTS FROM UNEXPECTED QUARTERS. Who would have thought that members of the Sanhedrim would be the first to identify themselves? Neither the enthusiasm of the people nor the malice of the rulers sufficed to bring matters to a crisis with Joseph. But now, when Christ is dead, and, seemingly, his cause too, hesitation is changed to decision.
1. Something similar has often happened in struggles for national liberty. When things have come almost to a hopeless extremity dormant patriotism has been roused.
2. So in persecution for Christ’s sake; as martyrs have laid down their lives others have taken their places.
3. So in the spiritual; so long as men only admire in Jesus the perfect character, &c., they may not be prepared to sacrifice much; but let them apprehend Him dying for sin, and they will be ready to brave all obloquy for His sake.
III. HOW THE TRUE CHARACTER OF A MAN MAY BE MANIFESTED IN A SINGLE ACT. Joseph’s intercourse with the counsellers did not reveal all that he was; only at the cross were disclosed his nobility, courage, faith. How many pass a quiet life among their fellows, who little know what spirit they are of. Revealing epochs occur in most lives. Sometimes brought about by sudden affliction, or change in circumstances, or temptation. (M. Hutchison.)
Joseph of Arimathea
is not mentioned in Scripture except in connection with the part which he acted in the burial of Christ; and his conduct in that transaction was so worthy of a disciple that his praise will always remain in the Churches of God. Indeed, as if Scripture had not said enough of him, legend has supplied the defect. It is fabled that he came over to England and founded the first English abbey--that of Glastonbury; and some remains of an ancient building still bear the name of the Chapel of Saint Joseph. Tradition further reports that Joseph, when resting on his journey at this place, struck his staff into the ground, which took root and became the famous Glastonbury thorn, which blossomed every Christmas, and being the frequent resort of pilgrims, brought much gain to the crafty inventors of the story. Such vanities a sounder faith has taught us to reject; and refusing the additions of men to hold fast the acknowledged truth of God. Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man, an honourable counsellor, a member of the Sanhedrim, but one who consented not to the deed of his colleagues. He was a good man and a just. He had been timorous when the rest were bold; and now he becomes bold when they yield to fear. (J. Fawcett, M. A.)
One Joseph is appointed to take charge of Jesus in His infancy, and another is raised up to provide for His burial. (W. H. Van Doren.)
Secret discipleship
I. WHY MANY BELIEVERS PREFER SECRET ATTACHMENT TO OPEN DISCIPLESHIP. Possibly it is
1. The stringency of His requirements.
2. Shame at association with one of so lowly an origin, or so radical a reformer. Joseph would feel the force of these difficulties.
3. Fear of
(1) Being accounted presumptuous for attempting to lead instead of to follow.
(2) Being accounted righteous overmuch.
(3) Not being able to maintain consistency. They cannot trust God’s grace to keep them from bringing disgrace on the Church.
4. Because of wrong ideas about Christianity.
5. Because of the inconsistency of professors.
6. Because they do not see the need of open discipleship.
7. Because there is no fervency of love to Christ.
II. HOW FAR CHRIST RECOGNIZES SECRET DISCIPLESHIP. Let us see if we find any hint in the affirmative.
1. In the subsequent history of Joseph. We know little about him except that he gave to Christ, “who had had the death of a malefactor, the burial of a king;” but in this he seems to have had no hope in the Resurrection. No mention is made of Christ’s appearance to Joseph. If the tradition that he founded Glastonbury Abbey be credited, it only shows that he had shaken off his secret discipleship. Had his secret discipleship been intentional to help Christ as Hushai helped David, or Blonde de Nesle Coeur de Lion, there might possibly be some hope of recognition. But it is an absurd idea that Christ wishes us to appear worldly, and hide our religion, to advance his course.
2. There is no suggestion of the recognition of secret discipleship in any of Christ’s utterances. He claims open attachment--“Follow Me,” “Whosoever shall be ashamed of Me,” &c.
3. In the nature of things it is improbable that Christ should recognize it. Suppose Christianity is weak we ought to side with it because it is right. Sympathy with, and appreciation of, Christ demand it. (F. Hastings.)
A secret disciple
A native gentleman, a writer in the Missionary News relates, was taken seriously ill, and requested one of the Orissa missionaries to visit him. In the course of conversation the missionary offered to lend him any book in his library that would be likely to interest and profit him. “I have a large number of books with which to instruct and exercise the intellect, but,” added he, with emphasis, “When I want food for my soul I go to the Bible; there only,” pointing to a copy of the English Bible which lay on the table, “I get something to warm my heart.” When pressing on him the importance and necessity of making a public profession of his attachment to Christ, he said with tears, “God, who searcheth the heart, knoweth that I am a heathen but in name; that my trust, my heart, are fixed on Him to whom I offer my daily prayer, and in whose mercy alone I trust. And it is my hope and intention, by the help of God, one day to make a public avowal of this my faith.” (J. L. Nye.)