March 28, 2023

Luke 23:50-56 (HCSB)
50 There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, 51 who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. 52 He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 53 Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. 54 It was preparation day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how His body was placed. 56 Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment.

Joel Robertson
This Joseph, Joseph of Arimathea, was among those of the Sanhedrin. He did not go along with the rest of the council to want the death of Jesus. He put his standing with the community and his reputation on the line for his belief that Jesus was the Messiah.  Doubters that could claim Jesus faked His own death could not doubt if someone else, that was not one of the apostles of Jesus, took His body to bury Him. The new tomb that Jesus was laid in is significant as well. This death was like no other death. This death leads to life and the new creation.