For a little Bible trivia, who went to Pilate and asked for the dead body of the Lord Jesus after His crucifixion? Scripture records it was Joseph from Arimathaea. We don't know much about him, but the Bible says he was a rich man. What astounds me is the incredible influence Joseph had on one of the most powerful men of the region.
In order to go before Pilate, Joseph had to have "pull". He had to have enough sway with Pilate that he could freely petition him for Jesus' body. No common person would have had that kind of audience with Pilate. Joseph did. Imagine what he could have asked for! Instead of power or prestige, Joseph asked just one favor: the body of His Savior. We aren't told, but what do you think Joseph's testimony said to Pilate?
There are people in your life with whom you have "pull". Are you using your influence for Jesus? Joseph didn't have to go before Pilate and ask for the body Christ. He would've still been a Christian. He didn't have to publicly identify with Jesus the way that he did; he would've still been a saved man. But, Joseph recognized that God wanted to use him for just that purpose at just that time.
You may not be rich; you may not captivate the powerful of our community. But, are you using the influence you do have for Jesus' glory?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Proverbs 12In order to go before Pilate, Joseph had to have "pull". He had to have enough sway with Pilate that he could freely petition him for Jesus' body. No common person would have had that kind of audience with Pilate. Joseph did. Imagine what he could have asked for! Instead of power or prestige, Joseph asked just one favor: the body of His Savior. We aren't told, but what do you think Joseph's testimony said to Pilate?
There are people in your life with whom you have "pull". Are you using your influence for Jesus? Joseph didn't have to go before Pilate and ask for the body Christ. He would've still been a Christian. He didn't have to publicly identify with Jesus the way that he did; he would've still been a saved man. But, Joseph recognized that God wanted to use him for just that purpose at just that time.
You may not be rich; you may not captivate the powerful of our community. But, are you using the influence you do have for Jesus' glory?
Scripture Reading for the Day:
Matthew 27
What a great point! I have never thought about Joseph having sway! Gave me a lot to think about!
ReplyDeleteVery thought provoking lesson!
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