Joseph The Generous

And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock.

Matthew 27:59–60 NASB

Christian novelist Bodie Thoene once worked for Hollywood film star John Wayne as a scriptwriter. Wayne read an article she had written and liked it; a relationship developed, and she began writing for Wayne’s production company. Later, when Thoene asked the famous actor why he had been so generous toward her, he answered, “Because somebody did it for me.”

Receiving seems to stimulate giving. That was true for a man in the four Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea. He was a prominent member of the Jewish Council in Jerusalem, meaning he was wealthy and well-respected. But like another member of the Council, Nicodemus, Joseph had become a disciple of Jesus, albeit a secret one for fear of retaliation from the Jews.

But when Joseph watched Jesus suffer and die for him, he could remain a secret follower no longer. He went to Pilate and got permission to bury the body of Jesus in his own new tomb. Joseph was transformed by Jesus’ generosity toward him. That ought to be true of everyone who claims to be His follower.

Generosity in giving is often a response to gratitude in receiving.