What does Joseph's generosity teach us about using our resources for God's kingdom? A Costly Gift for Jesus “and laid it in his own new tomb that he had cut in the rock. Then he rolled a great stone across the entrance of the tomb and went away.” (Matthew 27:60) Joseph of Arimathea surrendered the most valuable possession he owned: a freshly hewn tomb, ready for his own family. This was no token gesture but a significant, permanent sacrifice. The Character Behind the Gift • A respected member of the Sanhedrin (Mark 15:43) • “A good and righteous man” who “was himself waiting for the kingdom of God” (Luke 23:50-51) • A man of means (Matthew 27:57) yet not ruled by his possessions • Courageous—he requested Jesus’ body from Pilate publicly when most disciples were in hiding (John 19:38) Key Truths About Kingdom Generosity • Our resources are God-given tools, meant to advance His purposes. • True generosity involves cost: Joseph’s tomb could never be reclaimed. • Bold giving often requires stepping out of the shadows and identifying with Christ. • God weaves individual gifts into His redemptive plan; the empty tomb became central proof of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:6). Scripture Connections • Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” Joseph honored God with the “firstfruits” of his burial property. • 2 Corinthians 9:7—“Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give… for God loves a cheerful giver.” Joseph’s action was voluntary, cheerful, and immediate. • Luke 16:9—“Use worldly wealth to make friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, they will welcome you into eternal dwellings.” Joseph’s earthly investment pointed directly to eternal realities. • Acts 4:34-37—Believers like Barnabas sold land and placed the proceeds at the apostles’ feet. Joseph prefigured this New-Covenant generosity even before Pentecost. Putting It Into Practice Today • Hold every asset—home, savings, time, skills—with open hands, ready for God’s call. • Ask, “What ‘new tomb’ am I willing to release?” Perhaps a retirement fund allocation, a spare room for ministry, or specialized expertise. • Give publicly when it encourages others, yet humbly, focusing attention on Christ. • Expect God to multiply surrendered resources in ways far beyond personal imagination—just as an offered tomb became the empty evidence of victory over death. |
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