Joseph of Arimathea – The Disciple under Cover

Re-imagining People: Encountering and Experiencing the Cross
Joseph of Arimathea – The Disciple under Cover
Rev. Bartholomew Segan Palk, CSI Coimbatore Diocese

Quite often do we all hear about the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ and we tend to abhor the importance of other disciples of Him who were not among “The Twelve” but were secret disciples who truly followed His teachings. So are we going to learn about one of the ‘Secret’ disciple by the name, Joseph of Arimathea who was the man behind the burial of Jesus Christ after he was left hanging to die on the Cross.
Let us try and understand the meaning of the Topic given.
Imagine is to visualize but Re imagine is to reinterpret and recreate the work of a person imaginatively.
To Encounter is to confront or come across.
To Experience is to come in practical contact with the facts.

Hence, we are called to reinterpret our calling by confronting the events that we come across on the Cross and thereby have a practical application in our lives to live as true disciples of Jesus Christ. For there is no meaning of words but in action.
Joseph of Arimathea was a rich, noble, a just man who was also a member of the Jewish Counsel and also a Secret Disciple of Jesus Christ.
There are various points to ponder upon. Let us look at each of these points with utmost concentration with the contextual background.

1.    TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
It was the time of evening that Joseph of Arimathea came to Pilate and he was permitted to take the body of Jesus Christ form the Cross. In the Gospel of St. Luke we see that even Pilate could not believe that He had died and sent his soldiers to check on Him. Here we have to note that Joseph of Arimathea was an unwavering Disciple of Jesus Christ unlike the rest. He kept himself informed about every detail regarding his Master even till death.
Though he did not have any moral duties like the other disciples who were always found near Jesus Christ. His true discipleship came to light by taking the initiative and responsibility of doing the last rites to His Master, which other disciples were supposed to have done.
Are we not called to do the same?

2.    THE HOPELESS EVENING WAS GIVEN HOPE
It was dusk when Joseph of Arimathea buried Jesus Christ. Here, evening can be understood as a symbol of Hopelessness. Yes, indeed it was a hopeless evening to the disciples and the followers of Jesus Christ who relied on Him and His teachings.
Joseph of Arimathea came as a messiah that evening and took the body of Jesus Christ, wrapped in the Linen and buried Him in his own new tomb that he had for himself. Joseph of Arimathea came as an answer to the question of ‘What is going to happen next?’. He came so as to pave way for a new beginning of the “Resurrection of Christ”. God used His secret disciple in a miraculous way that the Tomb of Arimathea till now is worshiped and believed as a Holy place because Jesus Christ was invited into his tomb.
How many of us are willing to invite Jesus Christ into our hopeless situations? Do we really believe in His teaching or are we just like the other disciples who were in hopelessness, doubt and fear and who did not put His teachings into action?

3.    COURAGE OF JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
It is important to understand as to where Joseph got so much of courage from. When other disciples of Jesus Christ betrayed him in multiple ways by remaining in fear, hidden and perplexed, Joseph of Arimathea was determined and was ready to face the consequences of claiming the body of Jesus Christ who was then permitted by Pilate. He would have been punished for such a claim. He would have been asked of who he was to claim His body. He was prepared and ready to accept anything for his Master. He blindly believed that he would bury his master and focused on what he had to do. He believed the impossible.
Joseph of Arimathea did not give up on his calling. He did not remain unheard, but he simply accepted and trusted God, for he was doing well. He knew that God would smoothen the rough path for his work to be done.
If Joseph of Arimathea had to hear and absorb the rumours, gossips and advices of the society that lead to nothing; he would not have been able to prepare the Journey of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How many of us think in so many different perspectives if we were to do something, out of our way which is noble? Do we not think of what society would say? Do we not succumb to others advice? Stop listening to the society and only listen to the whispers of God, for you will be led in impossible ways.

4. NICODEMUS ACCOMPANIES JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
Nicodemus (one among the ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedran) was also a secret believer of Jesus Christ. Both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea met secretly and followed the teaching of Jesus Christ.Both had a good and productive friendship. Both are elite, just and rational thinkers. Though they were in the council of the Jews who tried to kill Jesus, they did not consent (Luke 23:51) to the decision of the Jews.
Their constant Encountering and Experiencing and Interpretation of Jesus Christ made them unlike others. It made them get closer to the cross thereby fulfilling God’s Purpose.
Let us ask ourselves of what kind of Friendship do we possess?
As said, ‘A friend is known by the company he keeps’.

5.    TAKING THE RISK
Joseph of Arimathea being a member of the Jewish Council risked their prestigious membership and was ready to face the consequence. He would have even lost the only source of income and put his survival at risk.
The constant encountering and experiencing of the cross made him to endanger his very Life, and no more prefers to be a secret disciple!
He was the one who waited for the Kingdom of God eagerly. Hence, He could see the Kingdom of God at the Cross.
Are we not called to do the same? Are we not supposed to leave behind our riches and save treasures in the Heaven?

Having laid down the various points and according to the present context, like Joseph of Arimathea, we are called to confront the situation in our Country.

Christians and other minorities are being targeted religiously, economically and socially. The government of India is aiming to implement the hierarchical caste system. We as people of God have to raise our voices against the Varna system.
As Joseph of Arimathea how are we going to confront and retaliate the ruthless crimes against our girl children?
Let us place ourselves in the shoes of Joseph of Arimathea and encounter, experience and introspect our personal lives as well as our social responsibility towards the increasing disruption, chaos and indifference happening in the present scenario.

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