Definition: Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Matthew 14:3 – “Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.” Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Story: This verse tells us about a man named Joseph of Arimathaea who was very devoted to Jesus. He wasn't just any ordinary person; he was a consultant – someone who offered advice and guidance. He believed in the coming of the Kingdom of God, which is a really important idea in Jewish tradition. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counseller…” - This tells us he was a respected and trustworthy person. "Counsellor" means advisor or expert. “…which also waited for the kingdom of God…” – This is key! Jesus had been crucified, and Joseph was waiting for something important to happen – the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is a spiritual concept that refers to God's reign and perfect peace on Earth. “Came…” - He arrived. “…and went in boldly unto Pilate…” - He boldly approached (with confidence) the Roman authorities, who were holding Jesus. “…and craved the body of Jesus.” – This is the really surprising part. He wanted to have Jesus’s body. It suggests a strong desire and perhaps even a bit of ambition on his part. It's like he was hoping to be involved in something significant. What does this tell us about the situation? This verse is often interpreted as a sign that Jesus was about to be executed . The Romans were eager to get rid of him, and Joseph’s eagerness to have his body might have been a factor in their decision. It's a dramatic moment – a man who truly believed in the Kingdom of God takes a bold step towards it. Overall Meaning: It’s a story about faith, anticipation, and perhaps a bit of ambition. It shows that Jesus was seeking something important to him, and his actions were driven by a deep belief in His purpose. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context (like why this story is significant)? Explore the symbolism of Joseph's character?