JU-108
JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
THE SECRET DISCIPLE WHO WENT PUBLIC AT THE CROSS
“The secret disciple who gave Jesus his own tomb.”
MEET JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
A rich council member who followed Jesus secretly — until the day Jesus died, when he risked everything to bury the King in his own tomb.
THE STORY
Joseph of Arimathea had everything to lose: wealth, a seat on the Sanhedrin, a reputation. So he followed Jesus 'secretly, for fear of the Jews.' He did not consent to the council's decision to crucify Him — but he stayed quiet. Then Jesus died, and something broke open in Joseph. Mark says he 'took courage' and went to Pilate — the most dangerous door in Jerusalem — and asked for the body of a condemned man. It was the boldest public confession possible. With Nicodemus, he wrapped the Lord in linen and spices and laid Him in his own new tomb, cut from rock — fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that the Messiah would be 'with the rich at His death.' His borrowed tomb only needed to hold its Guest for the weekend.
SCRIPTURE
PLACES
PEOPLE
BURIED THE BODY OF
PREPARED THE TOMB WITH
LESSONS
- 1.There comes a moment to stop being a secret disciple.
- 2.Courage often arrives exactly when it costs the most.
- 3.Whatever you give Jesus — even a tomb — He gives back glorified.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
Jesus, make me bold like Joseph — done with hiding, ready to honor You publicly whatever it costs. Amen.
ASK ABOUT JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
Reading about Joseph of Arimathea and wondering something? Ask — the Study Assistant answers from Scripture, right here.
COLLECTIBLE
More than a collectible — a conversation starter. Every JUNIVERSE figure comes in packaging with a QR code that opens this very story page, so whoever holds Joseph of Arimathea can scan it, hear the story, and meet Jesus. Collect them, gift them, and leave them behind wherever a story needs telling.