130 likes | 301 Views
…. Examining Joseph Of Arimathea. Lessons From A Rich Man. He Was The Subject Of Divine Prophecy His connection to Jesus’ death & burial actually began before he was even born Some 700 years earlier Isa 53:9 He fulfilled this prophecy Mt 27:57a, 58-60
E N D
Examining Joseph Of Arimathea Lessons From A Rich Man
He Was The Subject Of Divine Prophecy • His connection to Jesus’ death & burial actually began before he was even born • Some 700 years earlier Isa 53:9 • He fulfilled this prophecy Mt 27:57a, 58-60 • An emphasis on the omniscience of God
He Was The Subject Of Divine Prophecy • We, too, are such “subjects” • God inspired prophets re: our salvation Gen 3:15 12:3 Joel 2:32 Micah 4:1-2 • Prophecies that indicate God’s desire for us 1 Tim 2:4 2 Tim 1:9 2 Pet 3:9 • God’s omniscience has always been aware of those who would be receptive Acts 18:10
He Responded To The Crucifixion • He couldn’t keep Jesus from dying • All he could is respond to the event itself • His actions in requesting the body for burial was prompted by Jesus’ great sacrifice • Most likely, he was moved by such an unselfish display of love
He Responded To The Crucifixion • He did what any of us can only do re: the Lord’s crucifixion Ù respond to it • It is a past event…it cannot be changed • It can only be responded to Rom 6:3-13 • Like Joseph, you & I must come “face to face” with the defining moment of Jesus’ earthly life
He Had To Act On His Faith • The Scripture is clear re: this man • Prominent council member Mk 15:43 Lk 23:50 • A good and just man Lk 23:50 • Had not consented to the Jews’ plans Lk 23:51 • Became a disciple of Jesus Mt 27:57 Jn 19:38 • Waiting for the kingdom of God Mk 15:43 Lk 23:51
He Had To Act On His Faith • The Scripture is clear re: this man • A “secret” disciple Jn 19:38 cp. 12:42-43 • Therefore, he had to summon up courage to act Mk 15:43 • Can Jesus have “closet followers?” Mt 10:32 • Faith must be displayed Jas 2:14-20
He Had To Act On His Faith • We need to act like Joseph re: our faith • Summon up courage to respond to His death • A costly decision Mt 10:34-39 Phil 3:4-8 • We may have to distance ourselves from previously held beliefs Acts 4:5-21 5:17-42 • Pilate’s question is apropos for us Mt 27:22 • The issue won’t go away…we can’t ignore it
Conclusion • You may think this “examination” doesn’t apply to you nor help you in any way • Involves a time when you weren’t alive • You may not even be wealthy • You may not have a seat on a religious council
Conclusion • Yet, the principles at work in his life do apply to each of us • We are the subjects of Divine prophecy for our salvation • We must each respond to the Lord’s crucifixion • We must “courageously” act on our faith