Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea
The Gospel narratives surrounding the death and burial of Jesus introduce two remarkable figures: Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. Both men emerge from the shadows of the Jewish leadership to play pivotal roles at a moment when Jesus’ closest disciples had fled or were paralyzed by fear. Their actions provide a window into the complexities of faith, courage, and the fulfillment of prophecy. This article will examine the biblical evidence concerning Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, explore their relationship, assess their importance in the passion narrative, and consider what is known about their lives after Jesus’ death.
Nicodemus: The Nighttime Seeker
Nicodemus first appears in the Gospel of John as a Pharisee and “a ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1). He comes to Jesus by night, a detail that has often been interpreted as a sign of caution or fear, but also as a symbol of spiritual searching. Nicodemus addresses Jesus respectfully as “Rabbi,” acknowledging that Jesus is a teacher come from God, for “no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2).
Jesus responds not with flattery, but with a challenge: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
This exchange leads to one of the most profound theological discourses in the New Testament, culminating in the declaration: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Nicodemus’s questions reveal his struggle to understand spiritual rebirth. Jesus gently rebukes him for not grasping these truths, given his status as “the teacher of Israel” (John 3:10). Yet, Nicodemus’s willingness to engage with Jesus, even in secret, marks him as a sincere seeker.
Joseph of Arimathea: The Courageous Council Member
Joseph of Arimathea enters the Gospel story at a critical moment–after the crucifixion of Jesus. All four Gospels mention him, highlighting his role in Jesus’ burial. Matthew describes him as “a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus” (Matthew 27:57). Mark adds that he was “a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43). Luke notes that he was “a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action” (Luke 23:50-51), indicating that Joseph opposed the Sanhedrin’s plot against Jesus.
John’s Gospel provides the most detail, describing Joseph as “a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). After Jesus’ death, Joseph boldly approaches Pilate to request Jesus’ body–a risky act, given the political and religious hostility toward Jesus and his followers.
The Burial of Jesus: Collaboration in Courage
The burial of Jesus is a moment of convergence for Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. John 19:38-42 records: “After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.”
Here, the answer to who helped Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus is clear: Nicodemus. The two men, both members of the Sanhedrin, work together to give Jesus a dignified burial. Nicodemus’s contribution of a large quantity of burial spices is significant, indicating both wealth and deep respect for Jesus. The act of preparing and burying the body would have rendered both men ceremonially unclean for the Passover, underscoring the personal cost of their devotion.
Did Joseph of Arimathea Know Nicodemus?
The Gospel of John presents Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea acting in concert at the burial of Jesus. Both were members of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, and both are described as secret disciples of Jesus. While the Gospels do not explicitly state that they knew each other prior to this event, their shared status and collaboration at the burial strongly suggest that they were acquainted, if not colleagues. The Sanhedrin was a relatively small body, and it is reasonable to infer that Joseph and Nicodemus would have known each other through their official duties. Their joint action in burying Jesus implies a level of trust and shared conviction.
The Importance of Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea
First, their actions fulfill prophecy. Isaiah 53:9 foretold of the suffering servant:�“And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.”
Joseph’s wealth and provision of a new tomb fulfill this prophecy, demonstrating that even in death, Jesus’ life was under divine sovereignty.
Second, their courage stands in stark contrast to the fear and flight of the other disciples. While Peter denied Jesus and the others scattered, Joseph and Nicodemus step forward at great personal risk. Their willingness to identify with Jesus in his death, when all hope seemed lost, is a powerful testimony to the transformative effect of Jesus’ life and teaching.
Third, their actions provide a bridge between the Jewish leadership and the growing Christian movement. Both men were insiders–respected, influential, and knowledgeable in the law. Their faith in Jesus, even if initially secret, shows that the gospel was not only for the marginalized but also for those at the heart of Jewish society. Their example challenges the stereotype of universal opposition among the Jewish leaders and shows that the message of Jesus could penetrate even the highest echelons of power.
Fourth, their care for Jesus’ body preserves the integrity of the resurrection narrative. By ensuring that Jesus was buried in a known, accessible tomb, these men provide the historical foundation for the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning. Their actions, therefore, are not only acts of devotion but also serve the apologetic purpose of the Gospel accounts.
What Happened to Nicodemus After Jesus’ Death?
The New Testament is silent regarding the later life of Nicodemus. After his appearance at the burial of Jesus, he is not mentioned again in Scripture. Some early Christian traditions suggest that Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus and was eventually martyred for his faith, but these accounts are not historically verifiable. What can be said with confidence is that Nicodemus’ actions at the burial indicate a progression from secret inquiry to public allegiance. He moves from coming to Jesus by night to honoring him openly in death, risking his status and purity for the sake of love, respect, and Truth.
Legacy and Theological Reflection
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea embody the journey from fear to faith, from secrecy to boldness. Their stories remind us that discipleship is often a process, marked by questions, hesitations, and gradual steps of commitment. They also illustrate that faith in Jesus can flourish in unexpected places–even among the powerful and privileged.
Their willingness to honor Jesus in his death, when all seemed lost, is a testimony to the enduring power of hope and the quiet courage that faith can inspire. Their actions fulfilled prophecy, preserved the dignity of Jesus’ body, and set the stage for the resurrection. In a world where public displays of faith can be costly, their example encourages believers to act with integrity and compassion, even when it means stepping out of the shadows.
Conclusion
Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea stand as witnesses to the transformative power of encountering Jesus. Their journey from secret discipleship to public action at the burial of Jesus is a powerful reminder that faith often grows in the soil of risk and sacrifice. While the details of their later lives remain a mystery, their legacy endures in the Gospel record–a legacy of courage, devotion, and the willingness to honor Jesus when it mattered most. Their story invites us to consider what it means to follow Jesus, not solely in moments of triumph, but in the quiet, costly acts of love that mark true discipleship.