Dare to Be a Joseph of Arimathea

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Today's Text: Matthew 27:57–60; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50–51; John 19:38–42

Key Verse: Mark 15:43 (KJV) — "Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus."

The story of Joseph of Arimathea is one of the most remarkable accounts of courage, generosity, and devotion. He was a wealthy and respected member of the Jewish ruling council known as the Sanhedrin, which condemned Jesus. But he was his secret disciple, and did not consent to their decision, and had kept his discipleship private. However, everything changed after the crucifixion. While many who had followed Jesus closely and publicly were hiding in fear and uncertainty, Joseph found the courage to step forward before Pontius Pilate and request Jesus' body. He then offered his own newly cut rock tomb and provided a burial place of honor for the Lord. His story reminds us that genuine faith must outgrow private conviction into public expression. Dare to be Joseph of Arimathea, whose courage emerged when Christ needed a witness!

Joseph teaches us that it is never too late to take a stand for Jesus. For much of his discipleship, he had followed Christ secretly because of the risks associated with openly identifying with Him. But when the moment of decision came, he refused to remain silent. He stepped up before the very authority responsible for Jesus' execution, and openly identified himself with the crucified Lord. His action was especially courageous because associating with a condemned man could damage his reputation, position, and relationships. Many are comfortable identifying with Christ when faith is popular and convenient, but hesitate when it demands courage or sacrifice. But our faith must be stronger than our fear of men. Silence is never an option. Do not allow your reputation, position, or relationships to keep you from standing for what is right. Dare to be Joseph of Arimathea, who found the courage to stand with Jesus when others were afraid!

Joseph also teaches us that our position and resources should serve God's purpose. He was a wealthy and influential man, but he did not use his wealth merely to preserve his comfort or advance his personal interests. He offered his own newly hewn tomb for the burial of Jesus and ensured that the Lord received a dignified burial. What he had accumulated became an instrument of service. Examine how you use the blessings, opportunities, connections, and resources God has placed in your hands. Wealth is not wrong, influence is not sinful, and positions of authority are not obstacles to serving God. The question is whether we are willing to make them available for His glory. Our greatest contribution to God's kingdom is not what we say but what we give. Never become so attached to what you own that you cannot surrender it to honor the One you believe in!

Genuine devotion is demonstrated through costly service. Asking Pilate for Jesus' body was not a small gesture. It involved personal risk, public association with an executed man, and the willingness to interrupt his own comfort at a moment of national tension. His newly prepared tomb, which may have been intended for his own burial, became the final resting place of honor and care that Jesus deserved. Joseph did not wait for a convenient season. No. He acted when the opportunity presented itself. Today, don't we want the blessings without the responsibility of service? Don't we desire recognition without sacrifice and rewards without responsibility? Joseph teaches us that love for Christ must be expressed through practical acts of service, generosity, and sacrifice. What are you willing to give, risk, or surrender to honor your Lord?

Dare to be a Joseph: step out for the kingdom. Let God use you at most critical moments. Be willing to turn your wealth, influence, and access to authority into instruments for God's redemptive plan. Dare to be a Joseph: Never underestimate where God has placed you. Your position is not for personal advancement alone; it is a platform to represent Christ. Dare to be a Joseph, who knows that a man's legacy is not what he possesses, but what he does with it. Know that, like most so called Christians, in our generation, Joseph could have continued to protect his reputation and stay silent, but like him, we must all come to a moment when courageously stepping out and up to honored Jesus has no alternative. Dare to be Joseph of Arimathea, whose actions still speak across generations!

Action Steps: Identify one area where fear has kept you from openly standing for Christ. Take a courageous step of faith today. Examine your resources, position, influence, and opportunities, and identify practical ways to use them for God's kingdom. Look for someone who needs your generosity, encouragement, or support. Remember that faith is not merely what we profess but also what we are willing to do for Christ. Stand boldly, give generously, serve faithfully, and never be ashamed of Jesus. Dare to be Joseph of Arimathea!

Quote for the Day: "Your faith is not mature until it may be fully expressed in public, surrendered sacrificially, and defended courageously when it has a cost." — Simon Olatunji (#quotablequotes)

Let Us Pray: Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Joseph of Arimathea, whose courage and generosity honored Jesus at a difficult moment. Deliver me from the fear of people's opinions and the desire to protect my comfort at the expense of my convictions. Teach me to use my position, influence, resources, and opportunities for Your glory. Give me the courage to stand for Christ when it is unpopular, the generosity to serve when it is costly, and the faithfulness to honor You in every season. May my life become a lasting testimony of genuine devotion and courageous service. In Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study, please read: Matthew 27:57–66; Mark 15:42–47; Luke 23:50–56; John 19:31–42; Proverbs 28:1; Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7; Hebrews 13:16.

With all my love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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