“He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.”  Isaiah 53:9 (NIV)

Roman law provided that those crucified were to be left on their cross for weeks as birds stripped their flesh and then their bones thrown in a pit containing the bones of all criminals for the feral dogs to eat.  Among the many reasons for this were psychological and spiritual.  The bottom line is that those subjected to crucifixion as their death, were sentenced to torture and abuse long after their physical death.

Joseph of Arimathea’s “request” of Pilate for Jesus’ body was in defiance of Roman law.  His simple request to take and bury Jesus was one of the boldest moves in early Christianity.  His action of defiance against Roman law likely involved bribing Pilate, which was quite common with Roman governors of the day.  A move that could have resulted in his being charged with a crime and Roman punishment as well.  

Why would a member of the Sanhedrin make this move and place his standing of authority an wealth at risk?  The beautifully simple answer is the that he had met Jesus and believed.  Joseph of Arimathea is often referred to as a secret disciple.  This bold move revealed his secret.  Why did he ask for Jesus’ body.  Well, Isaiah had written of this event occurring 700 years before, so it was certainly predestined.  

As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph of Arimathea would have known of Isaian’s prophecy that this event would occur because he knew scripture.  The Book of Isaiah was one of the prominently studied books of prophecy among the Jews during the time period of Jesus crucifixion, known as the Second Temple period.  He knew scripture and he knew these things must happen.

I have often wondered why this wealthy man of position and influence would ‘throw it all away,’ to take and bury Jesus.  Shame on me!  Joseph of Arimathea’s understood the yet to be written truth of Mark 8:36, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

So on this day of silence, I don’t believe that Joseph of Arimathea was experiencing the fear and doubt of Jesus’ death.  He had taken the step of faith to retrieve and honor his Savior’s body.  He knew and acted upon prophecy.  I believe a man who would take the ‘risk’ that he did, did so because he knew the truth of what was to come.  These are my beliefs and not verified, but I have to believe that when Simon of Arimathea was told that the tomb was empty, he confidently responded “of course it is.”

There is much written and theorized about this man’s influence after Jesus’ death.  And while much is unverified and stories of legend, I know this truth, that I will meet him on day in Heaven.

The gates of Hell have been invaded and Satan’s legions have realized that they have chosen the ultimately losing side.  Sunday is coming.  Love came down and life eternal is the reward for all who believe and receive.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”  For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.  But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NLT)