When criminals were crucified, part of the humiliation was that their bodies weren’t buried. To lie unburied was a matter of great shame in the ancient world. Instead, the bodies of the victims of crucifixion were thrown out into the open among the rubbish, typically to be eaten by the dogs who scavenged among the rubbish heaps and the places of execution. But Jesus had a secret admirer, who decided that Jesus wouldn’t be dishonoured in this way.

It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached,43 Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. – Mark 15:42-43

In contrast to the courage of the women who were at the Cross, Jesus also had secret admirers, who failed to stand up for him at his hour of need. However, one of these people, who had attempted to keep his love for Jesus a secret, was inspired at this moment to declare his allegiance to Jesus. This was Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who hadn’t agreed with its decision to put Jesus to death. And Joseph declared his allegiance for Jesus in the most public way possible. He goes before the Roman procurator and ask for Jesus’ body. He wants to bury it in his own tomb.

The interesting thing about Joseph of Arimathea is that he was religious. In fact, he was very religious. But when he had encountered Jesus, he had understood, deep in his heart, that his religious experience was incomplete. Have you been troubled in your heart with the thought that you haven’t connected all the dots in your spiritual experience, that there is still something vitally important to learn about Jesus?

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