Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
When I read this passage, the phrase that jumped out at me the most was “waiting for the kingdom of God.” What does that mean, exactly? It had to mean something more than the fact that Joseph was simply waiting for the coming of the Messiah – all Jews were waiting for that. No, this phrase implies something much deeper. The greek word for “waiting” used in this verse is prosedeceto, which means to admit or accept something offered, and to expect a fulfillment of promises. The greek word for “kingdom” is basileian, which implies not an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom. It implies the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah. When it says that Joseph was waiting for the kingdom of God, it means that Joseph accepted Jesus as Messiah and Savior, and recognized his authority as the one true God. He knew the story wasn’t over yet.
We know this is really true based on Joseph’s actions that follow. Barnes’ commentary states that it was Jewish law that no body of an executed man should remain on the cross on the Sabbath. Therefore, unless someone had been there to plead with Pilate for the body of Jesus, He would have been buried that night with all the other criminals. Joseph boldly appealed for the body of Jesus. This must have taken courage – Joseph, a man who had previously kept his faith secret for fear of the Jews, was now making a public declaration, revealing his true feelings for Jesus. To ask for His body implied a certain amount of loyalty to Him. It was proof of his sincere affection. Joseph was still waiting for the kingdom of God – putting his faith in God – even after the death of Jesus. Even when it must have seemed that it was all over. That’s because He knew and believed in God’s promises. This was no time to give up – this was Preparation Day! This was a time to act, and act boldly! Joseph’s charge is an example for us – we who hope for a share in the rewards of His kingdom, must also own Christ’s cause, even when all hope seems lost.
The Message translation used the phrase “alert expectation” to describe Joseph’s behavior. Some days we may not feel God’s presence as strongly as others. Some days it feels like there is no hope, and no point in going on. It is these times we must remember the promises of God and continue to wait with alert expectation that He is present, able, and working – and that we should be prepared. Like Joseph, when the time comes, will our faith boldly do Christ service? The Sabbath is about to begin – are you ready?
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