APRIL 2 - JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA
READ Mark 15
After Jesus is crucified, Joseph of Arimathea buried Him in Joseph’s own tomb.
INSIGHT
Most of us have a highly developed sense of justice. We want things to be fair, and we are incensed when they are not. From simple things like people cutting in line ahead of us to major things like prejudice and bigotry, we are angered when we see or experience injustice. With that in mind, review what happens to Jesus. Though He is totally righteous and without sin, religious bigots manufacture charges against Him and
take Him to a legal jellyfish who doesn’t have the courage to execute justice. Then He is beaten, mocked, and crucified. Doesn’t that inflame your sense of justice? He has the power to obliterate those who harm Him; yet He willingly endures it for us.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord and praise Him for the “great and awesome” things He has done in offering you salvation:
Lord, who is like you among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
(Exodus 15:11).
This is why you are great, Lord God.
There is no one like you,
and there is no God besides you,
as all we have heard confirms
(2 Samuel 7:22).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Of the Rock who begot me,
I am unmindful,
and have forgotten the God
who fathered me
(Based on Deuteronomy 32:18).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him (John 14:21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer
(Psalm 19:14).
After Jesus is crucified, Joseph of Arimathea buried Him in Joseph’s own tomb.
INSIGHT
Most of us have a highly developed sense of justice. We want things to be fair, and we are incensed when they are not. From simple things like people cutting in line ahead of us to major things like prejudice and bigotry, we are angered when we see or experience injustice. With that in mind, review what happens to Jesus. Though He is totally righteous and without sin, religious bigots manufacture charges against Him and
take Him to a legal jellyfish who doesn’t have the courage to execute justice. Then He is beaten, mocked, and crucified. Doesn’t that inflame your sense of justice? He has the power to obliterate those who harm Him; yet He willingly endures it for us.
PRAYER
Thank the Lord and praise Him for the “great and awesome” things He has done in offering you salvation:
Lord, who is like you among the gods?
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
(Exodus 15:11).
This is why you are great, Lord God.
There is no one like you,
and there is no God besides you,
as all we have heard confirms
(2 Samuel 7:22).
Pause for personal praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Of the Rock who begot me,
I am unmindful,
and have forgotten the God
who fathered me
(Based on Deuteronomy 32:18).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him (John 14:21).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
- Greater love for fellow Christians
- The work of evangelism in Central America
- Your activities for the day
- Whatever else is on your heart
Finally, offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer
(Psalm 19:14).
A Dogwood Church Discipleship Ministry Resource. © Walk Thru the Bible 2026.