JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA HONORED JESUS
Saturday – August 2, 2025
Video link: https://youtu.be/w2GVohznBbw
Greetings dear saints of God, followers and partners with this Ministry. Today I am continuing our study of The Kingdom of God. This was the major thrust of Jesus’ earthly Ministry and therefore of ours. Really, the whole Bible if you are looking for it is instructing us in Kingdom of God living. Can you imagine there is a better life now or later than the life the Kingdom of God makes available? Now, let’s turn to our golden text.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
So, what is to be first in our lives? His Kingdom and His righteousness. Remember a kingdom has a king, the one of highest authority in the kingdom and the people are regulated by the laws of the kingdom. All kingdoms, governmental principalities, are regulated by various laws and so it is for the Kingdom of God. Just as each of us choose each day whether to obey these laws or to even find out what they are is our choice. It is no different in the Kingdom of God. The command from the mouth of the King of kings is that we seek first to build the Kingdom of God doing things the Kingdom of God way. Does that describe you, and me? I cannot answer this question for you only for myself before the Lord. Before we move forward, I want to remind us of two important Scriptures about the Kingdom. First the Words of Jesus.
Luke 17:21 (AMP)
21 Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].
Jesus seems to be speaking concerning the Holy Spirit who lives within us at salvation and is also everywhere present. The Holy Spirit makes alive our spirit man giving eternal life and empowerment to live the Kingdom of God way. Now, let’s look at what the Apostle Paul as to say by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 14:17 (AMP)
17 [After all] the kingdom of God is not a matter of [getting the] food and drink [one likes], but instead it is righteousness (that state which makes a person acceptable to God) and [heart] peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
This Scripture makes it clear that for the present time this Kingdom is spiritual no physical. It is people energized by the Holy Spirit, in right standing with God doing things Gods’ way, walking in Godly, Bible, peace and joy.
I will now move forward into the next mention of the Kingdom in the Book of Mark.
Mark 15:43 (AMP)
43 Joseph, he of Arimathea, noble and honorable in rank and a respected member of the council (Sanhedrin), who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, daring the consequences, took courage and ventured to go to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
This man commonly known as Joseph of Arimathea, a city a short distance northwest of Jerusalem was a part of the body that sent Jesus to the Cross but as we will see he was not a consenting party. He was a follower of Jesus, and we are told he was looking for, waiting for, the Kingdom of God. It seems to me that perhaps he had understanding concerning the death and resurrection and the coming of a spiritual kingdom (now) before the physical (Millennial Reign and beyond). Let’s see what Dr. Luke has to say about this man, this event.
Luke 23:49-52 (AMP)
49 And all the acquaintances of [Jesus] and the women who had followed Him from Galilee stood at a distance and watched these things.
50 Now notice, there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council (the Sanhedrin), and a good (upright, advantageous) man, and righteous (in right standing with God and man),
51 Who had not agreed with or assented to the purpose and action of the others; and he was expecting and waiting for the kingdom of God.
52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.
TAKE HOME:
- The whole Bible if you are looking for it is instructing us in Kingdom of God living. Can you imagine there is a better life now or later than the life the Kingdom of God makes available?
- All kingdoms, governmental principalities, are regulated by various laws and so it is for the Kingdom of God. Just as each of us choose each day whether to obey these laws or to even find out what they are is our choice. It is no different in the Kingdom of God.
- Joseph of Arimathea was a follower of Jesus, and we are told he was looking for, waiting for, the Kingdom of God. It seems to me that perhaps he had understanding concerning the death and resurrection and the coming of a spiritual kingdom (now) before the physical (Millennial Reign and beyond).
Lord willing, I will resume right here tomorrow. Remember, we love you, the Lord loves you, and there is nothing you can do about either one.
By: Dr. David R. Wood, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
REMINDERS
Please take a moment before we continue with our study to share this teaching as widely as possible by every means available to you. Thank you for sharing.
If you find that this Ministry is helpful with your spiritual growth, give prayerful consideration to becoming a partner with this ministry.
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