Our scripture today is Matthew 27:57-58 (ESV).
When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who also was a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him.
While Jesus rightly takes the rich to task in many of His lessons, we also see that there are examples of wealthy people who follow Jesus. Matthew, a former tax collector who was certainly well off, gave it up to become a disciple. In this passage we hear Joseph of Arimathea placing the body of Jesus in his own tomb. Being rich is not an automatic disqualifier for salvation. People who have wealth will be asked how they obtained it and how they used it to advance the kingdom, the same way we will all be asked about our stewardship of God’s gifts.
Gracious God, You have given us everything and asked us to be part of what You are bringing about in Creation. Help us to use Your gifts wisely for the benefit of all Your children. Amen.
