Joyous gifts. Hurried shopping. Spreading goodwill and glad tidings to others! 

Sounds so much like December, right? We readily associate these traditions with Christmastime, but have you considered how generosity is also essential at Eastertime? 

In my own excitement for Resurrection morning, I have often rushed over what transpired between Golgotha’s “it is finished” and the Garden’s “he is risen.” Tucked in the middle of Friday’s sorrow and Sunday’s jubilant joy, we discover an oft-missed set of conversations and a curious supporting character. 

Wondrously, his devoted heart overflows with gifts toward Christ and his Kingdom. 

Ponder Joseph of Arimathea

All four Gospels introduce this mysterious man. Each account supplies insights about his background, reputation, and remarkable influence on others (Matt. 27:57-61; Mk. 15:43-47; Lk. 23:50-56; Jn. 19:38-42). 

Scriptures’ sacred lines describe Joseph as a good, righteous leader who belonged to the Jewish council. He was also a disciple of Jesus, although he had kept that on the down low. Until the punctuated moments of Jesus’ arrest and trial, Joseph had stayed secretive about following him. When pressed to condemn Christ, he did not vote with the other Jewish leaders. Now, he was emboldened, no longer a secret disciple.

Upon Jesus’ death, Joseph took another big risk. He courageously approached the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate, and requested Jesus’ body. Pilate ordered the corpse to be released to Joseph.  

His next moves proved stunningly pivotal in Christ’s resurrection story. They also serve as examples with potential to shape our hearts and endeavors today.  

Put Resources to Work in Kingdom-Focused Ways

Matthew’s account describes Joseph as “a rich man” (Matt. 27:57). The ancient Greek term speaks of someone who is well off with material wealth. Joseph was also Kingdom-focused (Mk. 15:43; Lk. 23:51). He was waiting for the Kingdom of God, a posture that no doubt motivated his concern for Jesus and his special efforts that Friday. Joseph’s outlook stands in contrast to the “rich young ruler” in Mark 10:17-27. The Gospels note very tangible ways that Joseph put his riches to work for Christ and his Kingdom. Consider these ways his resources made a real Kingdom difference:

Joseph leveraged his time and energy. Late Friday afternoon, just a few hours remained before the Sabbath commenced (Mk. 15:42). So, there was no dilly-dally. No second-guessing or lengthy deliberation. With confident action and steady haste, Joseph went to Pilate and then took Jesus’ body from the cross. 

Joseph purchased a long linen sheet to wrap Jesus’ body (Mk. 15:46). His generous purchase of the linen shroud meant the Lord’s crucified body could be prepared for entombment with utmost care. Through Joseph’s generosity, our Lord’s body was spared the degradation of a reckless, hasty burial. Normally, a crucified corpse was tossed along with the other common criminals in a cheap, communal grave. 

Joseph laid Christ’s body in his own new tomb (Matt. 27:60), perhaps a property that was just recently purchased and carved from the rock. In keeping with burial customs of the day, this was to be his family’s tomb. Joseph generously included space for Jesus to be laid to rest. What amazing, loving devotion for his Lord. Joseph’s generous provision also fulfilled ancient prophecy about the suffering servant. He was assigned a grave with a rich man (Isa. 53:9).

Influence Others with Intentional Generosity

Though his endeavors that dark Friday were swift, courageous, and lavish, Joseph did not yet know the glorious outcome of Sunday or the further Kingdom chapters yet to unfold. His open-handed choices that day accomplished more than just burying the body. As Joseph worked with real-time urgency, he was influencing other characters in remarkable ways. 

Joseph sparked Nicodemus to join him for those magnanimous moments. We read, “Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight” (Jn. 19:39). Such burial spices reflected a lavish expenditure and royal devotion.

Women who had followed Jesus and engaged in his Kingdom work were carefully watching all this. As a result, they knew exactly where to go as dawn approached on Sunday. In Living the Resurrection, Eugene Peterson noted how Mary Magdalene and the other women were “on their way to work” in the garden that morning. Peterson boldly asserted: “I’m prepared to contend that the primary location for spiritual formation—for formation-by-resurrection—is in the workplace.”

I’m prepared to contend that the women’s Easter morning perspective and intended labors were deeply influenced by Joseph’s outlook and work that Friday evening. Those women’s subsequent gospel proclamation about the risen Savior lit the flames that spread with ever-growing fervor, both immediately and for centuries to come.   

How About Your Generosity This Easter?

Having reflected on Joseph’s wealth and work, consider how our wealth and work might shape us and bless others this Easter season. How could your wealth and leadership make a difference? How will you stretch, take a risk, and grow even more devoted? How will you join Joseph’s Kingdom perspective to be magnanimous this Easter? How can you leverage your influence with others?

• Carve out extra time and energy to serve in a moving Kingdom endeavor this season. 
• Get tangible. Think practical, even tactile. Watch for a way to bless a person, a missional place, or a pressing need in some very hands-on way.
• Give financially—something extra for the Kingdom mission. We often do that at Christmastime. How about a significant Easter gift for your church or some other meaningful ministry?
• Think beyond the norm. Cultural custom said it was his family’s tomb. Joseph saw his family as much bigger—the family of God—including Jesus! Who will you include for generous hospitality this Easter? 
• Invite others to join you in the generous work. Identify a “Nicodemus” or a group of friends. Ask them to join you in your open-handed actions.

Let’s embrace Joseph’s outlook this Easter season and in the months to come. Perhaps, our souls might be moved with Kingdom momentum like that great stone was moved on Resurrection morning.