PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 27:57-61
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“A rich man named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus.” (Matthew 27:57)
Jesus often challenged the wealthy, yet here is a rich man who wants to follow Jesus?
Did Jesus ask him to sell everything, give it to the poor and follow him? (Matthew 19:21)
Did he promise to give 1/2 to the poor, and pay back all he cheated 4 times? (Luke 19:8)
Obviously he hadn’t sold everything, because he still had this property, this new tomb.
My sense is that Jesus spoke to each person based on their specific need or growth area.
However Jesus had spoken to Joseph, he is now ready to risk wealth and honour for Jesus.
To honour Jesus to the Roman that crucified him as an enemy of the state was risky.
To give up his own respectful memorial place for someone like Jesus was humbling.
This brief mention tells us that he had given up himself and his self-confidence.
He had devoted his life and wealth to Jesus – and this was evidence of that.
As a rich man myself, I also have the opportunity to devote myself to Jesus.
To use my time, my talents, my treasures and my reputation to honour Jesus.
In that challenging moment, Josephs’ only concern is to honour Jesus.
Is my main focus in my challenging moment to honour Jesus, no matter the cost?
PRAYER
Lord, in this moment I also have the opportunity to honour you at the risk of losing something. Help me to want to honour you more than to maintain my own honour.
What loving devotion while the ‘Marys’ watched: “Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock.” The preparations he had made for himself were given to Jesus. What an example and what a blessing. Just thinking what it must of been like for Joseph when he meets Jesus resurrected! His life was already forever changed – he had the authority and respect that Pilate gave permission – and the women watched – they too trusted him. Jesus changes lives – then and always. Thank you Lord Jesus for changing mine – may I lovingly serve you too!
What was there to gain for this rich man? He associated with the criminal – Jesus Christ. But he was His follower all the way to the cross and handled the dead body becoming unclean for the Passover. There was nothing for him to gain. All for Jesus. He did what none of His apostles could do. He was His follower even in the darkest hours. He had nothing to gain except doing what was right. All all times I too need to serve my living Saviour.
All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
This our song shall ever be:
you our only hope, our Savior,
yours the love that sets us free!