Key Passage: Mark 15:42-47

Topic: Love; Relationships; Bible Characters

Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:43, ESV)

In Garth Brooks' song, "Friends in Low Places," he says he doesn't need society's elite to accept him. He's perfectly happy in the blue collar world. But haven't you ever wanted a friend in "high places"?

I mean, a real friend. Not a guy with a fake smile who treats you as his pet project, but someone who likes you no matter what your social situation. Most Bible studies on this topic tell you Jesus is that friend who loves us unconditionally--and that's true. But in today's passage, the situation is different.

Joseph of Arimathea, a highly placed man in Jewish society, had a unique opportunity to be a friend to Jesus. Rather than leave Jesus' battered body hanging on the cross in disgrace, Joseph honored the Lord by giving His body a proper burial. (And he sets the stage for the most dramatic moment in history!)

Though Jesus is no longer dead, we can still be a friend to Him today. Jesus said that whenever we become a friend to someone in a "low place," we are being a friend to Him (Matthew 25:37-40).

When you have the opportunity to show friendship to someone who's been forgotten by everyone else, you show friendship to God. When you provide for someone without any thought of being paid back, you demonstrate your love for God. In turn you help point someone's eyes to the one true friend in high places, Jesus.