Luke 23 50 - 56

 Luke 23 50 - 56

How many members of the Sanhedrin can we name? The council that condemned Jesus is for the most part lost to history. Luke doesn't even mention the names of the high priest after the beginning of his narrative where he gives the historical context for Jesus's life. For Luke the only member of the Sanhedrin who was worth naming is Joseph of Arimathea. Who did not consent to their plan and action. We can't be sure what “plan and action” Luke refers to.  It may have been the employment of Judas. It may have been the judicial murder by the Romans. It was possibly the illegal trials.  Most likely it was the entire plot against Jesus. We do not know if Joseph was present for the trial of Jesus or if he conveniently had not been called. If there, we do not know if Joseph was a vocal advocate for Jesus at the trial or if he realized this was a done deal and decided not to fight a lost battle. What we do know is while most of the Sanhedrin is unknown to us Joseph is known.

He is known as a man who was good and righteous, and who anticipated the coming of the Kingdom.   These are three descriptions that are the opposite of the descriptions of the council.  We know he acted in great compassion to bury our Lord. He was in almost every way the antithesis of the Sanhedrin. Let us not imagine that peer pressure is a new thing. Joseph would have faced incredible pressure to join in the course of those calling for Jesus's death. All those who did are lost to us, many are lost for eternity.

Being a disciple can feel lonely. Sometimes we are less alone than we realize. But perhaps that sense of loneliness is a good thing. Maybe the isolation can cause us to turn more faithfully toward our Lord. Rather than trying to find friends to help, when we feel alone as disciples we ought to be more passionate about pursuing the Lord and living righteously. The Lord will bring us the company we need. After all, at the tomb on Friday Joseph finds to his surprise a company of Godly disciples.

“Lord, if I must stand alone to stand with you, help me know I am not alone. AMEN”