“...[Joseph of Arimathaea] came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.” (John 19:38b)

There are a few people in the Bible who appear larger than life. Moses fits that category as he was used by God to receive the tablets of the Law and to lead Israel on dry land through the parted Red Sea.  Daniel also fits as he interpreted a king’s dream and escaped certain death in the den of lions.  Peter and Paul fit, too. None of these men accomplished great things in his own strength, of course, but that is a devotional all its own.  Several people in God’s Word are shadowy. They appear and disappear quickly, and we know little about them. Even so, God used some of them to accomplish great things. Joseph of Arimathaea is such a person. Let’s allow his life and deeds to encourage and instruct us, no matter how brief his appearance in scripture.

With a little sleuthing, we can draw a rough sketch of the man. He was rich (Matthew 27:57). That will lead to a unique opportunity but doesn’t seem important when we are introduced to him. He was “a counsellor” (Luke 23:50), probably meaning that he was a member of the Sanhedrin, a powerful body of Jewish ruling elders. He was “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). That description is powerful but puzzling.  How could he have been a follower of Christ but kept it secret? What would “the Jews” have done had they found out?  Finally, our sketch is completed with this: Joseph of Arimathaea “went in boldly” to Pontius Pilate and requested the crucified body of Jesus so he could bury it (Mark 15:43). Shadowy? Yes. This sketch of the man from Arimathaea (its location isn’t even clearly known by scholars) encourages us even if it’s shadowy.

His wealth meant he could afford to donate a gravesite.  Do you use your means–small or great–in service for Christ?

His status as a Sanhedrist meant he could wield his authority for God’s glory.  Do you use your status–high or low–to exalt the Savior?

His role as a disciple meant he was compelled to follow even if following was perilous. Do you use your discipleship–prominent or behind-the-scenes–even if it costs you?

His courage meant he overcame fear when he boldly went to Pilate on a risky mission.  Do you use your courage–common or rare–to accomplish much for the kingdom of God?

We need not rely only on larger than life figures. The shadowy ones can teach us, too.