Loving service

Throughout the gospel story, and down through the subsequent history of the church, there are many 'minor characters'. They appear in one or two scenes, and then fade into the background again. Sometimes we don't even know their names. Yet their loving service is a shining example to us all. None less than the one in todays story - Joseph of Arimathea.

'As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut of out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance of the tomb and went away. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.Matthew 27:57-61

At a time when all of Jesus closet followers had deserted him, Joseph comes to the fore. The other gospels make it clear that Joseph had kept his love for Jesus secret. He hadn't told anyone that he was following Jesus. Now, his faith becomes public.

It seems like an odd time - the one he was following has just died. Why go public now? Surely this is the end. Surely this is time to re-evaluate? To give up, not to go public.

That may be true, if you where simply buying into a philosophy - a set of beliefs, a dogma. Jesus had given Joseph a new way of thinking, but he did more that capture Joseph's mind. He had his heart. Joseph loved Jesus. He couldn't see Jesus body being treated like a common criminal. It may be all over, it may seem like an end - but because he loved him, he as going to make sure that Jesus body was treated with dignity. He would risk going public. He would take the shame. He would even give up his own new tomb.

Why? Because he loved Jesus.

Joseph's actions are an example and a challenge to us. How do we show our love for Jesus? How can you declare and demonstrate your love for him today?