Looking for the Kingdom

In the Bible, there are some lesser-known heroes we can learn a lot from. One such person is Joseph of Arimathea. We know from all four gospels that a man named Joseph from the town of Arimathea buried Jesus. From these accounts, we can gather a good deal of information about Joseph. 

We know that Joseph was rich (Matt. 27:57). He was also a highly respected person in the religious society of the day. He is described as “a member of the council, a good and righteous man” (Luke 23:50). We also know that when he asked Pilate to bury Jesus’ body, this took courage on Joseph’s part (Mark 15:43). Joseph took Jesus’ body, wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid the body in a never before used tomb that he owned. 

This all helps us understand a little bit about who Joseph of Arimathea is, but other details reveal why he went to such great lengths to care for Jesus’ body after He was crucified. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a disciple of Jesus (Matt. 27:51), and John adds that his following Jesus was carried out “secretly for fear of the Jews” (John 19:38). 

However, the part I want to focus on is what the gospels of Mark and Luke say about Joseph. They both mention that he was “looking for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43, Luke 23:51). Most translations will say that Joseph was “waiting” for the Kingdom of God, or looking forward to it. 

How ironic that the man who was waiting for the Kingdom of God buried the one who brought about this Kingdom. 

Like Joseph, we also look forward to the Kingdom of God. We long for the day when Jesus returns to bring all His children to Himself and put an eternal end to sin, death, and pain. On that day, the Kingdom of God will be fully realized, and we look forward to and long for it! But for those of us who know Jesus, as Joseph of Arimathea did, the Kingdom of God is now. We don’t have to wait for this future day to enjoy and experience the presence of God. 

When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Another time, Jesus was “asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come.” His answer was surprising: “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed…for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” (Luke 17:20-21). 

For those who know Jesus and have trusted in His death on their behalf, we get to experience the Kingdom of God today and every day. We don’t have to wait for eternity to live in this Kingdom. Instead, we can pray as Jesus taught us, “[God’s] kingdom come, [God’s] will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). 

Are you looking for the Kingdom? You might not realize that you are or phrase it that way, but you’re searching for something. You’re looking for fulfillment, joy, and satisfaction, and everywhere you look seems to disappoint. 
Look no further than the tomb that Joseph of Arimathea buried Christ in; for Jesus did not stay in Joseph’s tomb, but on the third day, He rose again and is now “seated at the right hand of God” (Colossians 3:1). If you’re looking for the Kingdom of God, look to Jesus. He brought God’s Kingdom to us and made a way for us to live in it.