Luke 23:51 – “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.”

Extended Explanation

This verse tells us more about Joseph of Arimathea, a man who played an important role in Jesus’ burial. Unlike the other members of the Jewish council (the Sanhedrin), Joseph did not agree with their decision to condemn Jesus to death. This shows that, even within the council that orchestrated the crucifixion, there were people who believed in Jesus or at least recognized His innocence.

Joseph is described as someone who was “waiting for the kingdom of God,” which means he was looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, likely expecting the coming of the Messiah. His hope for God’s kingdom reveals that he had a heart of faith, even if his understanding of Jesus’ role as the Messiah wasn’t yet fully formed. His dissent from the council’s decision shows moral courage, and his actions in requesting Jesus’ body for burial demonstrate that he was willing to act on his beliefs, even when it put him at risk.

Historical Context

The Sanhedrin was the Jewish governing body responsible for religious and legal matters under Roman rule. It consisted of high priests, elders, and scribes, and it was the council that condemned Jesus to death for blasphemy and handed Him over to the Roman authorities (Luke 22:66-71). However, not all members of the Sanhedrin agreed with this decision, as Luke highlights with Joseph.

Joseph of Arimathea’s disagreement with the council would have been a bold stance. In that time, going against the religious leaders could lead to social isolation or worse. Yet Joseph remained true to his convictions and ultimately acted in faith when he publicly requested Jesus’ body from Pilate.

The phrase “waiting for the kingdom of God” reflects the Jewish hope for God’s reign to be fully established. Many Jews of that time expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman oppression and establish a physical kingdom. However, Joseph’s waiting may have included a deeper spiritual anticipation, as he was drawn to Jesus in a way that set him apart from his fellow council members.

Theological Implications

1. Standing for Truth: Joseph’s refusal to go along with the council’s decision shows the importance of standing for truth, even when it’s unpopular or risky. His dissent demonstrates that faithfulness to God sometimes requires going against the majority.
2. Hope in God’s Kingdom: Joseph’s waiting for the kingdom of God reflects the theme of anticipation and faith. Believers today share in this hope, trusting in the eventual fulfillment of God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ.
3. Faith in Action: Joseph didn’t just quietly disagree with the council’s decision—he took action by giving Jesus a proper burial. His actions remind us that genuine faith leads to obedience and service, even when it comes with personal cost.
4. God’s Sovereignty: Even though the religious leaders’ decision to condemn Jesus seemed like a victory for evil, God had faithful people like Joseph positioned to fulfill His purposes. Joseph’s role in Jesus’ burial fulfilled prophecy (Isaiah 53:9) and demonstrated that God’s plan was still unfolding, even in the darkest moments.

Literary Analysis

Luke’s description of Joseph as someone who “had not consented to their decision and action” highlights his moral integrity and contrasts him with the rest of the council. This literary device reinforces one of Luke’s key themes: that God’s purposes often work through unexpected individuals, including those who dissent from the majority.

The phrase “waiting for the kingdom of God” connects to other references throughout Luke’s Gospel where Jesus teaches about the kingdom. Luke frequently emphasizes that the kingdom of God is not just a future event but something that begins with Jesus’ ministry and continues through His followers. By describing Joseph as someone waiting for the kingdom, Luke implies that Joseph was on the right spiritual path, even if his understanding was still growing.

This verse also foreshadows the resurrection. Joseph’s role in giving Jesus a proper burial ensures that the stage is set for the discovery of the empty tomb, highlighting God’s providence in every detail of the crucifixion and resurrection narrative.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 53:9 – A prophecy that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb, which Joseph’s actions fulfill.
• Luke 2:25 – Simeon, another man described as “waiting for the consolation of Israel,” shows a similar anticipation of God’s kingdom.
• Luke 17:20-21 – Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is already among them, revealing that it is both a present and future reality.
• Mark 15:43 – Joseph boldly approaches Pilate to request Jesus’ body, demonstrating courage.
• Acts 4:19-20 – The apostles demonstrate the same courage as Joseph when they refuse to obey human authorities over God.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges Christians to remain faithful to God’s truth, even when they are in the minority. Joseph’s example shows that standing for what is right may require courage, but it is a mark of genuine faith. Believers today are often called to take a stand in a culture that opposes biblical values, and Joseph’s life demonstrates that God honors those who remain faithful.

Joseph’s anticipation of the kingdom of God also resonates with Christians, who are called to live with the same sense of hope and expectation. Although the fullness of God’s kingdom will be realized when Jesus returns, Christians are already part of that kingdom and are called to live as its representatives on earth.

This verse also reminds believers that faith requires action. Joseph didn’t just privately disagree with the council—he stepped forward and did what he could to honor Jesus. Likewise, Christians are called to put their faith into practice by serving others, standing for truth, and following God’s leading.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His faithfulness to those who trust in Him. Even though Joseph was part of the Sanhedrin, a group responsible for condemning Jesus, God saw Joseph’s heart and used him in a significant way. This demonstrates that God’s love is personal and that He values individual faithfulness.

God’s love is also evident in the way He provides faithful people to fulfill His purposes. Even in the midst of Jesus’ death, God had already prepared Joseph to play a role in His redemptive plan. This shows that God’s love is active and that He works through people to bring about His plans for salvation.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Joseph’s actions directly connect to Jesus’ role as the Messiah who fulfills prophecy. By providing a tomb for Jesus, Joseph fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 53:9, which stated that the Messiah would be buried in a rich man’s tomb. This burial was crucial in validating the resurrection, as the empty tomb would later serve as evidence of Jesus’ victory over death.

Joseph’s anticipation of the kingdom of God also connects to Jesus’ teaching that the kingdom had already begun through His ministry. Jesus’ death and resurrection were the turning points in God’s plan to fully establish His kingdom, and Joseph’s role in these events demonstrates that faith in Jesus is central to participating in that kingdom.

• John 19:38-42 – Joseph, along with Nicodemus, prepares Jesus’ body for burial, highlighting their faith and devotion.
• Matthew 6:33 – Jesus teaches His followers to seek first the kingdom of God, a mindset that Joseph demonstrates.
• Revelation 11:15 – The kingdom of the world will become the kingdom of Christ, fulfilling the hope that Joseph was waiting for.
• Hebrews 11:13-16 – Faithful people throughout history have lived as strangers on earth, waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What can you learn from Joseph’s courage to stand against the majority when it came to Jesus’ condemnation?
2. How does Joseph’s example challenge you to put your faith into action, even when it involves personal risk?
3. In what ways are you “waiting for the kingdom of God” in your daily life?
4. How can you demonstrate trust in God’s plan, even when it seems like things are not going as expected?
5. What does Joseph’s role in the burial of Jesus teach you about the importance of obedience in the small details of God’s plan?