Luke 23:50
And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a counsellor; and he was a good man, and a just:
Luke 23:50
Joseph of Arimathea appears here as a discreet but pivotal figure. Described as “a counsellor” and “a good man, and a just,” he is portrayed as a member of the Jewish council who also “waited for the kingdom of God” (a sign of hopeful eschatology). The timing matters: he is introduced at the moment Jesus dies, presenting a counter-narrative to the council’s earlier decision to condemn Jesus. Luke presents Joseph as an example of righteous discernment in a political-religious system that has rejected Jesus. His status as a respected, secret follower who risks social capital to honor Jesus’ body reflects Luke’s emphasis on integrity and courageous faith. By noting that he did not consent to the council’s plot, Luke implies that true justice sometimes requires dissent within powerful institutions. Joseph’s actions reveal a faithful citizen who honors the body of the crucified Messiah, preparing the way for a proper burial—an act of reverent devotion in the face of danger and political risk.
Joseph’s intervention demonstrates that reverent, costly faith is compatible with wisdom and discretion. Theologically, it shows that Jesus’ death is not merely a private sorrow but a public event compelling faithful action from the righteous. The burial of Jesus by Joseph, and the willingness to engage with ritual purity and tombs, testifies to the reality of Jesus’ death and foreshadows the resurrection. Luke’s inclusion of Joseph as a righteous insider who acts is a reminder that God can use unlikely actors within power structures to advance divine purposes. This scenario also highlights the theme of hope in God’s future kingdom—the waiting for the kingdom connects to Joseph’s life and his hopeful posture.
Think about places where you are tempted to stay in the safe, silent place rather than take decisive, faithful action in a moment of need. Practical steps: evaluate opportunities to advocate for justice, help bury the past’s guilt with a role in mission or service, and consider ways to support the marginalized in your community. If you have influence in your workplace, church, or neighborhood, ask: how can I act with integrity even when it costs me? Like Joseph, discerning believers can choose to align with God’s purposes even when it risks social status or comfort. Courage often looks like quiet, concrete acts of service that honor God and serve others.
Cross-References: Matthew 27:57-60; Mark 15:42-47; John 19:38-42; Luke 7:3; Acts 23:16