MAIN SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:42-46, Ecclesiastes 9:11
“Seize the moment” is a powerful reminder to make the most of present opportunities and experiences. It encourages embracing life’s opportunities, taking action, and living in the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Whether it’s pursuing a goal, expressing gratitude, or simply enjoying the moment, seizing the moment can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Life-transforming moments come in disguise, and some things are challenging. However, full actualization requires much discernment and daring spirit, coupled with some level of preparation.
Life-transforming moments are not always in plain sight; sometimes, they require an inner conviction of what you can offer to be acknowledged. People may not always acknowledge you for what you can offer until you step forward with bravery to showcase your innermost potential.
Life-transforming moments that transcend through generations may require a temporal sacrifice for permanent benefits. It sometimes demands your availability, benevolence, and godly engagement.
For the purpose of our discourse, we shall examine the life and bravery initiative of Joseph of Arimathea.
Joseph of Arimathea is a significant figure in Christian tradition, primarily known for his role in the burial of Jesus Christ. Here’s an outline of his background:
- PERSONALITY: Joseph of Arimathea is described as a wealthy man and a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the ruling council of the Jews in Jerusalem. The town of Arimathea is believed to have been located in Judea, though its exact location is uncertain.
- ASSOCIATION WITH JESUS: According to the Gospel accounts, Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus, meaning he followed Jesus’ teachings but likely did so discreetly, possibly due to fear of backlash from other Jewish leaders who opposed Jesus. By openly requesting Jesus’ body, Joseph risked being associated with Jesus and facing potential persecution or ostracism from his own community. He is depicted as being sympathetic to Jesus and his teachings.
- BURIAL OF JESUS: Following the crucifixion of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested permission to bury Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, along with Nicodemus, another secret disciple, took Jesus’ body down from the cross and laid it in a tomb that Joseph had prepared for himself.
LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT
Joseph of Arimathea’s simple yet strategic and benevolent act eventually earned him a significant place in Christianity and made him an important personality to study. This act of kindness was a voluntary, purposeful, and deliberately willing desire to offer his resources to unknowingly secure an eternal and permanent lasting legacy for himself and generations yet unborn.
It’s not always about being the frontier or the main character, nor the vision bearer, but much to do with how you can negotiate your way in sharing/partnering in a divine cause.
To make a lasting impact in our generation may require simple obedience, grabbing the opportunity for several reasons:
- BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS: Joseph is mentioned in all four canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) in the New Testament. He is depicted as a wealthy disciple of Jesus and a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish council. This teaches us that we can be relevant in any area we identify ourselves in the kingdom of God, serving with the little we have.
- BURIAL OF JESUS: Joseph of Arimathea played a crucial role in the burial of Jesus Christ. After Jesus was crucified, Joseph boldly approached Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, and requested permission to bury Jesus’ body. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, along with Nicodemus, another secret disciple of Jesus, prepared Jesus’ body for burial and laid it in a tomb. With the act of bravery, the gospel of Christ, His death, and resurrection cannot be preached without placing emphasis on the vital role he played.
- FULFILLMENT OF PROPHECY: Joseph’s actions in burying Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 53:9, which states that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. This underscores the messianic identity of Jesus and the fulfilment of Scripture in his life and death.
- SYMBOL OF COURAGE AND DEVOTION: Joseph’s bravery in seeking permission to bury Jesus, despite potential repercussions from the Roman authorities and his fellow Jews, demonstrates his devotion to Jesus and his commitment to honouring him even in death. His actions serve as an example of courage and loyalty to believers.
- HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: Joseph’s role as a member of the Sanhedrin and his association with Jesus provide historical and cultural context to the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and burial. His prominence as a wealthy and respected figure adds credibility to the gospel accounts.
You can have enough, own abundance, excel greatly, possess great wealth, be a genius, and yet die without remembrance. There have been more rich, famous, and wealthy individuals who once lived, but after their departure, there’s no trace of them, not even in their own lineage. It takes simple but strategic moves, initiatives, and assistance to be remembered for life.
Arimathea was not considered the most powerful preacher, not the eloquent disciple, nor mentioned as a pivotal yet in his small way, made a historic and significant input in Christianity. The gospel cannot be preached without making reference to Joseph of Arimathea. He now holds significant importance in Christianity.
Overall, Joseph of Arimathea’s significance lies in his pivotal role in the burial of Jesus Christ, which not only fulfilled prophecy but also symbolized devotion, courage, and the historicity of Jesus’ life and death.
Written by Elder Patrick Turkson (Asenemaso District Youth Ministry Leader)