Imagine being Joseph of Arimathea

Akita Suggagaki said:

Luke 23:50–56​

50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.

Imagine being in the minority. His brothers in the council actually use scripture to accuse and condemn Jesus.
How could they be so wrong, to see evil in him instead of good? But what can Joseph really do. To speak out puts him in danger.
He does not have the authority or influence to persuade the minds already made up against Jesus.
It must have been frustrating to see words of the law and Prophets turned around as weapons against Jesus.


But we see that also today don't we? Scripture used by the right and the left to point out, to prove the good of our view and the evil of those opposed.
Neither side seems to have the humility for introspection and reconsideration.

At times I am Joseph and at times I am Caiaphas. Fortunately no one is really injured by my pride and fear or whatever it is that makes me want to be in the right and to prove it. But then, mustn't we stand for what we believe in? Fight for it? Where do we draw the lone between obstinance and steadfastness?

I am reminded of the apostle Paul. He was most zealous for the law and tradition believing he was serving God.

Click to expand...

Akita Suggagaki said:

Luke 23:50–56​

50 Now there was a good and righteous man named Joseph, who, though a member of the council, had not agreed to their plan and action. He came from the Jewish town of Arimathea, and he was waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God.

Imagine being in the minority. His brothers in the council actually use scripture to accuse and condemn Jesus.
How could they be so wrong, to see evil in him instead of good? But what can Joseph really do. To speak out puts him in danger.
He does not have the authority or influence to persuade the minds already made up against Jesus.
It must have been frustrating to see words of the law and Prophets turned around as weapons against Jesus.


But we see that also today don't we? Scripture used by the right and the left to point out, to prove the good of our view and the evil of those opposed.
Neither side seems to have the humility for introspection and reconsideration.

At times I am Joseph and at times I am Caiaphas. Fortunately no one is really injured by my pride and fear or whatever it is that makes me want to be in the right and to prove it. But then, mustn't we stand for what we believe in? Fight for it? Where do we draw the lone between obstinance and steadfastness?

I am reminded of the apostle Paul. He was most zealous for the law and tradition believing he was serving God.

Click to expand...