Joseph of Arimathea came, who was a respectable man, a member of the Jews’ council, and he himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God. he dared to go in to Pilate and ask for the body of Jesus.
Joseph of Arimathea appears at a moment when many of Christ’s disciples were frightened and scattered. He was an honorable council member, a member of the Jewish council, and at the same time he was waiting for the kingdom of God. His position connected him to the circle from which Jesus’ condemnation came, yet his heart did not agree with that rejection. To ask Pilate for Jesus’ body was great courage, because it meant openly identifying himself with the condemned Christ and risking his reputation and position. Joseph may previously have been a more hidden believer, but after the death on the cross his faith became open and practical. This verse shows that God can raise up His servants at the right time, when they are needed for His plan. Thus, by His providence, God prepared Christ’s burial through an honorable council member, showing that even in the hour of rejection and death His plan was being carried out with order, dignity, and testimony.